Manama: Batelco by Beyon and Qareeb Data Centres, the Middle East's first edge data center provider, have signed a strategic partnership agreement to launch Bahrain's first edge data centre. The agreement was formalized by Hani Askar, Chief Global Business Officer at Batelco, and Annemarie Van Zadelhoff, Chief Revenue Officer at Qareeb Data Centres, with the presence of Maitham Abdulla, CEO of Batelco, and Bruce Jennings, Chairman of Qareeb Data Centres.
According to Bahrain News Agency, under the strategic partnership agreement, Qareeb will manage and operate its first edge data centre through a long-term lease of Batelco's newly announced facility. This initiative allows Qareeb to provide sovereign, low-latency, and AI-ready co-location services for enterprises, cloud providers, and digital platforms across the GCC. This collaboration signifies Batelco's dedication to enhancing its data infrastructure by joining forces with leading industry players to deliver scalable, energy-efficient solutions that meet the region's evolving digital demands. The agreement marks the transition of the project from completion to operational readiness.
Located within Beyon's Data Oasis in Southern Bahrain, this data centre is the first of its kind in the Kingdom and acts as a foundation for Batelco's continued investment in cutting-edge digital infrastructure. The facility offers 6000 square meters of scalable space for enterprises and hyperscalers looking for advanced hosting and connectivity solutions.
Hani Askar expressed that the agreement is a crucial step in executing their data center strategy and broadening their reach across essential market segments. He welcomed Qareeb Data Centres as a trusted partner in the new facility, highlighting Bahrain's progress in digital transformation. Together, they aim to provide secure, reliable, and future-ready data infrastructure for both enterprise and government customers.
Annemarie Van Zadelhoff stated that partnering with Batelco by Beyon represents a significant milestone for Qareeb Data Centres. The facility is Qareeb's first operational data centre and is pivotal in offering high-performance, scalable, and sovereign edge colocation for cloud providers, AI innovators, and enterprise organizations across the Middle East. The partnership aims to enhance Bahrain's digital infrastructure and support customers in scaling next-generation cloud and AI workloads.
The collaboration between Batelco by Beyon and Qareeb Data Centres reinforces Bahrain's status as a regional hub for digital infrastructure. It aligns with the Kingdom's vision of becoming a center for innovation, connectivity, and sustainable growth, with the new data centre providing essential services to major customers in the Kingdom, the Middle East, and beyond.