Doha — Ooredoo, Qatar’s leading telecommunications operator, in partnership with DE-CIX, the world’s leading operator of carrier-neutral Internet Exchanges, has announced that Doha IX, Qatar’s first commercial Internet Exchange (IX), is now live and ready for service with its first networks connected.
Hosted in Ooredoo’s state-of-the-art data centre, Doha IX establishes a secure interconnection hub for regional and global hyperscalers, cloud providers, content networks, and ISPs. The platform is designed to deliver low-latency, high-performance connectivity while reducing costs by streamlining network operations.
Through a data centre-neutral environment, Doha IX provides customers with direct access to multiple ISPs, CDNs, and cloud platforms via a single port, integrating seamlessly into DE-CIX’s global ecosystem. Key benefits include:
- Direct access to Microsoft Azure Peering Service (MAPS): enabling government and enterprise users in Qatar to connect securely to Microsoft SaaS platforms such as MS Teams and Outlook.
- Verified Peering Provider status for Google Cloud and Workspace: offering businesses secure, high-performance access to Google’s enterprise applications.
- Improved content delivery: giving international partners a direct path to reach Qatar’s large end-user base.
The new IX also integrates with Ooredoo’s premium services portfolio — including IP Transit, Multi-Cloud Connect, Hosting, Co-location, Business Internet, Precision Timing, and International Connectivity — helping enterprises accelerate their digital transformation.
Doha IX is positioned as a cornerstone of Qatar National Vision 2030, reinforcing the country’s role as a digital hub in the Middle East. By enabling advanced interconnection solutions, the IX supports innovation, economic diversification, and stronger regional connectivity.
Thani Ali I A Al-Malki, Chief Business Officer at Ooredoo Qatar, said:
“We are proud to launch Doha IX in collaboration with DE-CIX – a milestone that redefines Qatar’s digital landscape. Doha IX delivers world-class interconnection, empowering businesses, ISPs, and content providers with faster, smarter, and more secure access to global content.”
Ivo Ivanov, CEO of DE-CIX, added:
“With Doha IX powered by DE-CIX, we are bringing our global expertise to Qatar, enabling networks to benefit from superior interconnection services. This milestone strengthens regional connectivity and creates a digital ecosystem that will drive growth and innovation in the GCC for the digital decades ahead.”
