Nvidia has signed an agreement with the Qatari telecommunications group Ooredoo to deploy its artificial intelligence technology in data centers in five Middle Eastern countries, marking Nvidia’s first large-scale launch in the region despite US export restrictions.
The agreement makes Ooredoo the first company in the region to allow direct access to Nvidia’s artificial intelligence and graphics processing technology in data centers located in Qatar, Algeria, Tunisia, Oman, Kuwait, and Maldives.
Ooredoo CEO Aziz Aluthman Fakhroo stated that their “B2B clients … will have access to services that their competitors probably won’t have for another 18 to 24 months.”
The agreement was signed on June 19, 2024, during the TM Forum in Copenhagen. Although the exact value and specific Nvidia technology to be installed were not disclosed, the importance of the agreement for both parties was emphasized.
Ooredoo is investing one billion dollars to increase the capacity of its regional data centers by an additional 20-25 megawatts, with plans to almost triple this capacity by the end of the decade.
This agreement underscores the continued expansion of artificial intelligence, integrating into new contexts and enabling unique innovations. As AI continues to spread worldwide, international politics are expected to play an increasingly important role in its trajectory.
Implications of the Agreement
The collaboration between Nvidia and Ooredoo not only strengthens the position of both companies in the technology market but also provides a significant competitive advantage for Ooredoo’s enterprise clients in the region. The ability to access advanced AI and graphics processing technologies before their competitors could result in operational improvements and innovation opportunities in various sectors.
Future Investments
Ooredoo’s significant investment in data center infrastructure demonstrates its commitment to technological growth and digitization in the Middle East. With the backing of Nvidia technology, these data centers are expected to offer enhanced capabilities and advanced services to their clients, boosting digital transformation in the region.
International Context
This agreement comes at a time when international relations and trade policies are constantly changing. Despite export restrictions imposed by the United States, Nvidia has managed to secure a significant agreement that could influence future political and trade decisions in the field of artificial intelligence technology.
Nvidia’s expansion in the Middle East through its collaboration with Ooredoo marks a significant milestone in the global adoption of advanced AI technologies. As these technologies continue to evolve and expand, their impact on various sectors and the global economy will become increasingly profound. This agreement not only highlights Nvidia’s leadership in the field of AI but also Ooredoo’s ability to offer cutting-edge technological services to its clients in the region.