The Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) announced on Wednesday its intention to merge the telecommunications operations of Qatar National Broadband Network (QNBN) and Gulf Bridge International (GBI). This integration aims to create a carrier-neutral digital and AI infrastructure leader, further connecting Qatar to the global landscape.
HE Mansoor bin Ebrahim Al Mahmoud, CEO of QIA, commented, “This decision reinforces QIA’s commitment to Qatar’s Third National Development Strategy. By expanding the digital infrastructure ecosystem, we will attract further foreign direct investment and serve as a catalyst for economic diversification. Our goal is to position Qatar as a leading digital hub both regionally and globally.”
HE Eng. Essa bin Hilal Al Kuwari, Chairman of QNBN and GBI, added, “Together, QNBN and GBI have a unique opportunity to accelerate the delivery of critical digital services in Qatar. With our highly complementary assets and operations, our combined businesses will be better positioned to capture the rapidly growing international connectivity opportunities and support our future growth ambitions. Our long-term vision is to create a digital infrastructure champion that unlocks new opportunities.”
QNBN is Qatar’s leading national passive fiber service provider, boasting over 95% coverage nationwide. As a cornerstone of Qatar’s digitalization agenda, it provides next-generation fiber-optic cable services to both public and private customers, including government and enterprise sectors. GBI, on the other hand, offers high-capacity, low-latency, and resilient connectivity solutions across the Middle East, Europe, and Asia, catering to blue-chip international carriers and hyperscalers, thereby enhancing Qatar’s international connectivity and integration into the global digital economy.
The combination of GBI’s international submarine and terrestrial cables with QNBN’s unparalleled domestic fiber network will create a world-class connectivity platform for data traffic in and through Qatar. This platform is expected to attract global hyperscalers and cutting-edge AI innovators from Europe and Asia, offering a seamless gateway for interconnectivity within the Middle East. The newly formed entity will focus on maximizing opportunities in the international data traffic market.
By leveraging their combined resources and expertise, the integrated company aims to position itself as a key player in this rapidly growing sector, driving innovation and expanding its global presence to meet the increasing demand for cross-border data connectivity.
The merger will also strengthen Qatar’s ICT sector by accelerating the development of human capital in critical ICT domains and new digital industries, leading to new investment and growth opportunities for all players in Qatar’s telecommunications market. The transaction is expected to close in Q4 2024, pending regulatory approvals and other statutory requirements. As QNBN and GBI move forward with the integration, they are committed to ensuring a smooth transition for their key clients, maintaining a strong focus on service quality, customer satisfaction, and data security.
