Ooredoo Group, a major player in telecommunications across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), has entered a strategic partnership with NVIDIA, becoming an NVIDIA Cloud Partner (NCP). This collaboration is a significant step in Ooredoo’s ambitious plan to become the leading digital infrastructure provider in the region, leveraging NVIDIA’s advanced computing technologies to drive the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution in MENA.
The partnership centers on deploying NVIDIA’s accelerated computing platform across Ooredoo’s network. This integration is designed to meet the growing demands for high-speed computing and connectivity across its expansive MENA footprint. Ooredoo is setting up an AI-ready platform that incorporates NVIDIA’s comprehensive range of innovations, including systems, software, and services. This platform aims to provide robust support to governments, empower enterprises, and aid startups in securely processing private datasets. Additionally, it is expected to facilitate the creation of valuable insights, transforming these into tokens that spur further innovations for users.
Aziz Aluthman Fakhroo, Group CEO of Ooredoo, emphasized the transformative potential of this initiative, “With NVIDIA’s cutting-edge platform, Ooredoo is poised to lead the AI surge in MENA, steering the region’s digitalization and innovation landscape. This collaboration is tailored to satisfy the rapidly increasing need for robust computing infrastructure necessary to support sophisticated AI models.”
GPU-as-a-Service
The technological collaboration promises to revolutionize various industries by introducing next-generation AI and GPU capabilities. Governments and businesses in Qatar, Algeria, Tunisia, Oman, Kuwait, and the Maldives will gain access to NVIDIA’s latest full-stack AI platform through Ooredoo’s implementation. The plan includes the deployment of thousands of NVIDIA Tensor Core GPUs across Ooredoo’s AI data centers in the region. This deployment would enable customers to utilize an advanced AI platform equipped with top-tier infrastructure, tools, and software designed to streamline processes and enhance operational efficiencies across multiple sectors.
Furthermore, Ooredoo will offer GPU-as-a-Service, providing on-demand access to advanced AI and machine learning tools, including generative AI technologies. Ronnie Vasishta, Senior Vice President of Telecom at NVIDIA, noted, “Ooredoo’s deep connections within enterprise and consumer segments, combined with its capacity to scale AI infrastructure and services, will simplify the adoption of generative AI applications for their customers.”
This partnership is also geared towards fostering regional growth through customized AI hosting solutions and infrastructure localized to meet regional standards. By establishing local clouds, Ooredoo aims to facilitate the development of native AI ecosystems and applications, enhancing data security across the board.
Ooredoo’s initiative is set to foster economic growth, create jobs, and stimulate technological advancements across the region by providing customers with cutting-edge AI cloud platforms. The company is dedicated to coordinating closely with stakeholders in each country to ensure that these AI initiatives are well-aligned with local requirements and to maximize the potential benefits of this technological advancement.
The partnership was officially signed at TMForum’s Digital Transformation World 2024 in Copenhagen, attended by key figures including Ooredoo Group CEO Aziz Aluthman Fakhroo and NVIDIA’s Ronnie Vasishta.