Equinix launches carrier-neutral data centre in Salalah, Oman
In partnership with Omantel
Equinix, the largest global data centre and colocation provider for enterprise networks and cloud computing, has launched SN1, its new state-of-the-art data carrier-neutral centre, in Salalah, Oman.
Salalah is a coastal city strategically positioned at the crossroads of Asia, Europe, Africa, and Australia.
The new facility, built in cooperation with Omantel, a leading Middle Eastern telecommunications and technology provider, and fully managed by Equinix as a carrier-neutral and open-access International Business Exchange (IBX) data centre, SN1 is the second of its kind in Oman. It follows the Arabian Gulf state’s first carrier-neutral data centre, MC1, in Muscat.
Equinix’s Salalah data centre is the company’s sixth facility in the Middle East, complementing its operations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. SN1’s location in Salalah enhances global connectivity by shortening and optimising the routes for subsea cables that connect key international markets.
The facility offers a more direct, cost-effective link for businesses and service providers across four continents. By facilitating these improved connections, SN1 is poised to reduce latency and significantly improve the resilience of global networks.
Strategic connectivity
The Salalah SN1 data centre in Salalah is crucial in reshaping traffic flows across the Middle East and beyond. SN1 will support multiple subsea cable systems, which is essential for improving connectivity between continents.
In addition to serving as a hub for local businesses, it will connect directly to Equinix’s MC1 data centre in Muscat, strengthening regional infrastructure and expanding opportunities for regional companies to scale their operations.
The SN1 data centre is expected to attract a wide range of businesses, including content providers, hyperscalers, cloud service providers, and carriers, all seeking enhanced connectivity and proximity to key global markets. By next year, Omantel’s plans to land multiple additional subsea cables in Salalah will further solidify the region’s status as one of the most connected hubs in the world.
Kamel Al-Tawil, Managing Director of Equinix for the MENA region, stressed the facility’s importance in supporting global connectivity: “I am delighted to inaugurate our latest strategic data centre, further showcasing our investment in Oman and the broader Middle East.
With extensions to multiple subsea cables, this new hub in Salalah will transform global connectivity across different continents. It aligns perfectly with our strategy of creating network-dense, highly interconnected ecosystems globally.”
Talal Al Mamari, CEO of Omantel, highlighted the strategic importance of Salalah’s location: “Today, we are announcing another major milestone through our partnership with Equinix. Launching the SN1 data centre is a cornerstone of our strategy to create a global connectivity hub in Salalah.
“We are committed to attracting the world’s leading content providers and hyperscalers to the region. This state-of-the-art data centre is a key part of this vision. By next year, we plan to land multiple subsea cables in Salalah, solidifying its status as one of the most connected hubs in the region due to its location at the crossroads of major international routes between Asia, Europe, Africa, and Australia.”
Digital infrastructure
Omantel has long been at the forefront of digital transformation in the region, investing over $1 billion in international networks and data centres over the past decade.
Omantel has also launched a joint venture with Zain, known as Zain Omantel International, to enhance regional digital infrastructure to deliver end-to-end connectivity solutions across the Middle East and beyond. This partnership marks a significant milestone in Omantel’s expansion into the wholesale telecom sector, further cementing Oman’s position as a key player in global communications.
Looking ahead
Equinix’s strategic investment in Oman reflects the growing demand for digital infrastructure in the Middle East. With its expansive global network and commitment to providing the most secure and efficient interconnection solutions, Equinix is positioning Oman as a critical node for international business, enabling companies worldwide to serve their customers better.
As the demand for digital services continues to grow, the Salalah SN1 data centre is set to play a vital role in accelerating digital transformation across the Middle East and beyond, helping to drive innovation, increase resiliency, and unlock new economic opportunities.
Featured image: (L-R) Vinesh Dinoo, VP of Networks, EMEA at Equinix; Kamel Al-Tawil, Managing Director at Equinix MENA; Sheikh Ghassan Al Hashar, CFO of Omantel; and Sohail Qadir, CEO at Zain Omantel International pose for a group photo at the 11th Global Carrier Community Meeting in Muscat, Oman. Credit: Equinix
Last Updated on 1 month by Arnold Pinto
