The changing face of investment in GCC's data centre market: What's driving growth?

At the Gulf Data Center Association's Touchdown Middle East Conference 2023 in Bahrain, The Tech Capital had the opportunity to interview Mike Buckingham, the Chief Operating Officer of Quantum Switch, an international player in the data centre industry. Buckingham provided insights into the evolving investment landscape, ambitions in the GCC region, key opportunities, challenges faced by international players, and the impact of the regulatory framework on operations and investment decisions.

When asked about the evolution of the investment landscape in the GCC data center market, Buckingham highlighted the significant growth driven by the region's increasing demand for digital infrastructure. He emphasized the surge in enterprises moving to the cloud, adoption of new technologies like AI, and strong momentum from government entities to develop new infrastructure as key factors contributing to the market's expansion in recent years.

Buckingham outlined Quantum Switch's ambitions and objectives in the GCC region, emphasizing the company's commitment to leveraging the market potential and contributing to its development. He highlighted Quantum Switch's strategic focus on providing sustainable data center solutions to meet the region's growing demand for colocation and hyperscale use, thereby fostering digital transformation and interconnection.

In discussing key opportunities in the GCC data center market, Buckingham emphasized the high demand for data center colocation and hyperscale use, particularly in Saudi Arabia, where significant growth is projected. He outlined Quantum Switch's plans to capitalize on these opportunities by leveraging technology, sustainable infrastructure, and strategic partnerships to differentiate itself from competitors.

Drawing from his experience, Buckingham highlighted the main challenges faced by international players when entering the GCC data center market. He underscored the need to navigate through evolving regulatory frameworks, cultural nuances, and competition from established local players. Buckingham emphasized Quantum Switch's approach of building local partnerships, understanding regional dynamics, and customizing solutions to ensure a successful entry and expansion strategy in the GCC.

When addressing the impact of the regulatory framework on Quantum Switch's operations and investment decisions in the GCC region, Buckingham emphasized the significance of understanding and complying with evolving regulations. He highlighted the need to adapt to the region's regulatory landscape, navigate through licensing requirements, and adhere to data privacy and security policies. Buckingham emphasized Quantum Switch's commitment to operating in alignment with local regulations and policies, thereby ensuring responsible and sustainable business practices in the region.

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