Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Iraq is rapidly reshaping its telecom landscape through local interconnection and strategic fibre investments. With the launch of IRAQ-IXP powered by DE-CIX, domestic traffic is now exchanged locally, reducing latency and cost. Combined with new international routes, Iraq is positioning itself as a future regional connectivity hub.
du and DE-CIX have achieved a record 1 Tbit/s traffic milestone on UAE-IX, the Middle East’s largest Internet Exchange. Hosted on du’s datamena platform, the IX connects over 110 networks and drives regional data efficiency by keeping traffic local. The achievement, announced at GITEX Global 2025, underscores UAE-IX’s growing role as a digital backbone for the UAE and wider Middle East, supporting innovation, cybersecurity, and cloud-driven transformation.
Ooredoo and DE-CIX have launched Doha IX, Qatar’s first commercial Internet Exchange, hosted in Ooredoo’s data centre. The platform enables high-performance interconnection for global networks, cloud providers, and ISPs, advancing Qatar’s role as a regional connectivity and digital innovation hub.
Ooredoo and DE-CIX have launched Doha IX, Qatar’s first commercial Internet Exchange. Hosted in Ooredoo’s data centre, the IX delivers low-latency interconnection for hyperscalers, ISPs, and cloud providers, with direct access to Microsoft and Google services. The project supports Qatar National Vision 2030 and positions the nation as a regional digital hub.
Nokia will modernize INX-ZA’s Internet Exchange Points in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban, introducing 400GE and expanded 100GE services. The upgrade expands JINX to ten data centers, improves scalability, reduces latency, and enhances South Africa’s digital infrastructure, enabling ISPs, enterprises, and cloud providers to meet rising demand.
LINX and Digital Realty are launching the LINX Accra IXP in Ghana’s new ACR2 data centre, expanding LINX’s African footprint. This initiative aims to enhance low-latency connectivity and digital resilience, complementing existing LINX IXPs in Nairobi and Mombasa and supporting Africa’s growing internet ecosystem.
IRAQ-IXP celebrates its first anniversary as the third-largest Internet Exchange in the Middle East. Powered by DE-CIX, it connects 28 networks, including global giants like Meta and Akamai. The exchange has experienced a 150% traffic increase, reflecting growing demand for reliable and high-speed connectivity in Iraq and the region.
Ooredoo and DE-CIX have launched Doha IX, Qatar’s first standalone commercial Internet Exchange. This new platform enhances connectivity, reduces costs, and supports Qatar’s digital transformation by offering low-latency traffic exchange and access to global content providers. Doha IX aims to strengthen Qatar’s position as a digital hub.
LINX has completed a 100G capacity upgrade in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to meet rising demand for network connectivity. The upgrade will provide lower latency, increased security, and redundancy for IXPs, supporting traffic spikes from events like sporting games. Jeddah is a key digital hub for local and regional networks.
e& has partnered with DE-CIX to expand SmartHub IX in the Middle East, enhancing regional connectivity and driving the digital economy. This collaboration introduces remote peering services and strengthens cross-border connectivity. With infrastructure in Fujairah and Dubai, the partnership positions the UAE as a key digital hub in the region.