Nvidia has signed a deal with Qatari telecoms group Ooredoo to deploy its artificial intelligence technology in data centers across five Middle Eastern countries. This marks Nvidia’s first major launch in the region, as Washington has restricted the export of advanced American chips to prevent Chinese companies from accessing cutting-edge AI technology through Middle Eastern countries. Ooredoo will be able to offer customers in Qatar, Algeria, Tunisia, Oman, Kuwait, and the Maldives direct access to Nvidia’s graphics processing and AI technology. This partnership will enable Ooredoo to assist its customers in deploying generative AI applications. The deal will give Ooredoo a competitive edge by providing services that its competitors may not have for another 18 to 24 months.
The value of the deal was not disclosed, but it was signed at the TM Forum in Copenhagen on June 19. The exact type of technology that Nvidia will install in Ooredoo’s data centers will depend on availability and customer demand, as Washington restricts the export of some of Nvidia’s more sophisticated chips to the Middle East. Ooredoo plans to invest $1 billion to expand its regional data center capacity by an additional 20 to 25 megawatts, with the goal of tripling it by the end of the decade. The company has already separated its data centers and tower assets into different entities, following a similar restructuring last year.
Additionally, Ooredoo intends to split its undersea cables and fiber network into a separate entity in the future. The partnership with Nvidia will help Ooredoo enhance its data center capabilities and deliver advanced AI services to its customers in the Middle East. This collaboration comes at a time when AI technology is becoming increasingly important for businesses across various sectors. Ooredoo’s investment in expanding its data center capacity and deploying Nvidia’s AI technology demonstrates its commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements in the region.
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