Exponential growth in the amount of data and processing, boosted by AI capabilities in the MENA region demands an increased number of data centres and robust connectivity solutions to interconnect them. Data centres rely on secure and sustainable networks that are trusted explains Roque Lozano at Nokia.
In today’s digital transformation era, the role of connectivity in data centres has become critical for businesses seeking robust, scalable network solutions that emphasize energy efficiency and sustainability. As Middle Eastern economies diversify away from oil reliance, there is a burgeoning demand for technological infrastructure that supports sustainable and inclusive growth.
The region’s rapid digitalisation presents a significant opportunity for expanding the data centre market, with forecasts predicting substantial growth in regional data centre capacity over the next five years.
According to multiple a reports, the Middle East data centre market is projected to grow at a double-digit compound annual growth rate, with the IT load capacity expected to reach the gigawatt order by the end of the decade. This growth highlights the increasing data needs and the importance of investing in network solutions that connect these data centres in a secure, trusted scale, and sustainable manner.
The exponential growth in the amount of data and processing, recently boosted by AI capabilities in the MENA region demands an increased number of data centres, and more importantly, robust connectivity solutions to interconnect them. Data centres rely on secure and sustainable networks that are trusted.
Nokia provides connectivity, ensuring efficient and effective operations of data centres across all the network layers, from submarine stations and central clouds to edge locations and end-user premises for consumers and enterprises. The network infrastructure must support energy efficiency through automation, monetisation and intelligent management, which are crucial for achieving the region’s sustainability goals and maximising the benefits of digital transformation.
The concept of scalable and distributed data centres is essential for meeting various enterprise needs, from hyper-scale environments to edge computing. Local enterprises and sectors, such as rail, defence, utilities and oil and gas, have immensely benefited from the implementation of scalable data centre solutions, enhancing operational efficiency and data management.
Modern network operating systems, automation platforms, and integrated Artificial Intelligence, can simplify network management, reduce errors, and speed up configuration tasks. The data centre fabric and adaptive cloud networking play a crucial role in achieving these scalable solutions, making enterprise operations more adaptable to market changes and growth opportunities.
Advancements in data centre infrastructure contribute significantly to energy efficiency through innovative cooling technologies and the integration of renewable energy sources. Regional initiatives and case studies have shown that energy-efficient network solutions can lead to reduced operational costs and lower carbon footprints, aligning perfectly with the Middle East’s sustainability objectives.
An open, extensible network operating systems approach allows for rapid adaptation and integration of new technologies. For example, intent-based automation enhances energy efficiency by enabling smarter and more responsive network management.
The explosion of data in the MENA region highlights the need for more data centres, sub-sea landing points, and increased connectivity. The rapid adoption of AI in the region requires large amounts of data to function effectively. This underscores the necessity of building more scalable interconnected data centres, expanding fibre networks, and enhancing connectivity to support AI and other data-intensive applications.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning are increasingly being integrated into data centre operations to predict maintenance needs, optimise energy use, and ensure high availability and reliability. Regional trends indicate a growing adoption of AI technologies in data centres, supported by government-led digital transformation strategies.
For example, in 2021, the UAE government re-established the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority as the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority, TDRA. The TDRA recently published its Digital Transformation Enablers Report, highlighting the UAE government’s key achievements, including the comprehensive Federal Network, FEDnet cloud infrastructure, the UAE Pass digital ID, and the national customer relationship management system, NCRM.
The future potential of AI in revolutionising data centre operations is immense, especially in the context of the Middle East’s smart city initiatives. Integrating AI LLM platforms, like ChatGPT, with network AIOps capabilities opens up new possibilities for advanced network automation and enhanced operations. This includes automation of manual tasks, reduction of trouble tickets, faster fault detection, and proactive issue resolution through digital twins and intent-based automation.
Advanced network solutions are pivotal in supporting the digital ambitions of the Middle East, emphasizing energy efficiency and sustainability. These technological advancements align seamlessly with regional economic diversification strategies, particularly in technology and sustainable development. As the region continues to embrace cutting-edge technologies, it is well on its way to becoming a global hub for innovation and sustainability.
With leadership in open, scalable, and automated network solutions, enterprises are well-positioned to unlock new levels of security efficiency and agility in their data centre operations, paving the way for a future-ready infrastructure.
