Ooredoo, the Qatar-based telecommunications operator, has partnered with DE-CIX, a global leader in carrier-neutral Internet Exchanges (IX), to launch Doha IX, Qatar’s first standalone commercial Internet Exchange.
This collaboration leverages DE-CIX’s global expertise, drawn from nearly 60 locations worldwide, to enhance Qatar’s position as a regional digital hub. Doha IX aims to improve connectivity, reduce costs, and provide exceptional customer experiences, making it a key driver of digital transformation in the region.
Doha IX will offer a secure, carrier-neutral platform for low-latency traffic exchange, better network performance, and support for remote peering services. It will allow businesses in Qatar and the wider region to access global and regional content providers more efficiently, offering cost-effective, direct connections through a single port and reducing traditional IP transit expenses.
Built on DE-CIX’s cutting-edge infrastructure and Ooredoo’s advanced data centres, Doha IX benefits from the strong relationships both partners maintain with global content providers and networks. This collaboration ensures seamless traffic exchange, optimized network performance, and the creation of a robust Internet Exchange ecosystem in Qatar.
“We are proud to introduce Doha IX, a major step in upgrading Qatar’s digital infrastructure,” says Thani Ali Al Malki, Chief Business Officer at Ooredoo Qatar. “Doha IX will provide faster, more reliable connectivity, reduce operational costs for businesses, and drive innovation across industries, in alignment with Qatar’s National Vision 2030.”
Ivo Ivanov, CEO of DE-CIX, adds, “With Doha IX powered by DE-CIX, we are bringing our global expertise to Qatar, enabling businesses and networks to benefit from superior interconnection services. Doha IX will unlock Qatar’s digital economy, offering better performance, affordable Internet access, and improved user experiences for enterprises and individuals across the region.”
DE-CIX has established itself as a leader in the Middle East, with a track record of developing thriving IXs and interconnection ecosystems. Doha IX, which will operate under DE-CIX’s DaaS (DE-CIX as a Service) model, becomes the sixth IX in the region managed by DE-CIX.
Through this partnership, Ooredoo and DE-CIX are laying the groundwork for advanced interconnection in the region, positioning Qatar as a leader in the global digital economy and supporting the country’s National Vision 2030.
