center3 is redefining digital infrastructure in the Middle East by integrating AI hosting, advanced submarine cables, and internet exchange points (IXPs), driving the region’s digital transformation. As artificial intelligence (AI) adoption grows, the company is ensuring seamless access to high-performance computing while strengthening regional and international connectivity.
In an exclusive interview with Telecom Review during Capacity Middle East 2025, Mohammed Alqhtani, COO at center3, elaborated on the company’s strategies for enhancing global connectivity in the era of artificial intelligence as a leading digital infrastructure provider in the Middle East.
center3 has been redefining digital infrastructure in the Middle East and beyond. Can you share what sets your company apart in this space?
Thank you for having me. At center3, we pride ourselves on being a leading digital infrastructure provider, not just in the Middle East but on a global scale. What truly sets us apart is the robust and comprehensive ecosystem we’ve built by integrating state-of-the-art data centers, creating an expansive submarine cable network, and strategically positioning internet exchanges.
Beyond our infrastructure, our commitment to shaping the digital future is what makes us unique. We are continuously evolving to meet the changing needs of enterprises, hyperscalers, and content providers, offering scalable, efficient, and innovative solutions. As part of this evolution, we have begun developing data centers tailored for high-performance computing, ensuring they are ready to support AI-driven workloads. This allows our customers to leverage advanced capabilities while maintaining the flexibility they need for future growth.
AI hosting is a major trend right now. How does it align with center3’s broader vision?
AI is indeed reshaping the digital landscape, and at center3, we see it as a natural complement to our mission. Our vision has always been to establish a seamless digital hub connecting Asia, Africa, and Europe, fostering innovation across industries. By adapting our data center infrastructure to support AI workloads, we ensure that businesses in the region, and those connecting to it, have access to the computational power and low-latency connectivity required to harness AI’s potential.
Our carrier-neutral, high-capacity data centers are purpose-built to accommodate the increasing demands of compute-intensive applications, providing the performance and reliability that businesses need. Coupled with our robust submarine cable network and internet exchanges, our ecosystem creates an environment where AI-driven solutions can thrive without compromise.
You previously mentioned that connectivity is an important factor for harnessing AI’s potential. Can you elaborate on the role of your submarine cables and IXPs in supporting the region’s digital transformation?
Connectivity is the backbone of any digital ecosystem, and we’ve made significant investments to enhance it. Our submarine cable network spans three continents, linking key markets with high-speed, low-latency connections. Key initiatives, such as the 2Africa cable system, position Saudi Arabia as a pivotal digital hub, strengthening global connectivity and driving economic growth in the region.
Our internet exchange points (IXPs) play an equally crucial role. They enable ISPs (internet service providers), cloud providers, and content creators (both local and international) to exchange traffic efficiently. This not only reduces latency and enhances internet performance but also fosters collaboration across the digital value chain. Together, our cables and IXPs create a resilient, high-performance network that supports a wide range of industries, from finance and healthcare to media and entertainment.
As the region’s digital landscape evolves, what can we look forward to from center3?
The future is incredibly exciting for center3. We’re focusing on expanding our geographical reach, bringing our expertise to new markets while continuing to strengthen our presence in Saudi Arabia. Several new data centers are in development, all of which are designed to cater to the specific needs of hyperscalers and enterprises using cutting-edge technologies.
We are also enhancing our submarine cable infrastructure to facilitate the creation of new routes, further strengthening our global connectivity footprint. Additionally, we remain committed to evolving our digital infrastructure to support high-performance computing workloads, ensuring our customers are equipped with the agility and resources to embrace emerging digital trends.
This is an ambitious vision indeed. Any closing thoughts you’d like to share?
At center3, we believe that strong digital infrastructure is the cornerstone of a connected and innovative future. By investing in advanced technologies, expanding our reach, and fostering ecosystems that enable collaboration, we are not only meeting today’s demands but also paving the way for tomorrow’s opportunities.
Our vision is clear: we are a digital hub that connects people, ideas, and possibilities across continents. We are excited about the role we are playing in shaping this future and look forward to working with partners who share our passion for innovation and progress.
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