Qatar signs deal with Google Cloud

Google and the Qatari government signed a cooperation agreement on cloud computing today. 

The Qatari Ministry of Communications and Information Technology has awarded a cloud computing services agreement to Google Cloud. The US search engine giant will cooperate with Qatar on its digital transformation and efforts to utilize cloud computing on a larger scale. Google will help the ministry use cloud computing and artificial intelligence for data storage, managing computer networks and more, the official Qatar News Agency reported. 

What it means: The Google Cloud platform offers a variety of advanced computing solutions, including machine learning and data analytics. The platform includes several “Cloud regions” where these services are available. 

Why it matters: Google Cloud is spreading in the Middle East. Last week, Google opened a new Cloud region in Tel Aviv — its first in the Middle East. Doha will receive its Cloud region “soon,” according to Google’s website, as will Dammam in eastern Saudi Arabia. 

Know more: Like other Gulf states, Qatar is seeking to boost its digital economy and reduce dependence on oil and gas. In August, Qatar issued its first digital payment licenses to some fintech companies. In June, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology signed a digital economic cooperation agreement with Meta, which owns Facebook.

Spokespeople for Google did not respond to Al-Monitor's request for more information.