Dell and Ooredoo forge sovereign AI push

Dell Technologies and Ooredoo have unveiled a strategic collaboration aimed at accelerating artificial intelligence deployment across the Middle East, with a focus on delivering AI-as-a-Service through Ooredoo’s Sovereign AI Cloud platform.

The partnership brings together Dell’s infrastructure and AI solutions portfolio with Ooredoo’s regional data centre footprint and telecom capabilities, positioning the companies to serve governments, enterprises and regulated sectors seeking advanced AI tools within nationally controlled environments. Executives from both firms described the initiative as a response to rising demand for secure, locally hosted AI infrastructure that aligns with data sovereignty requirements.

Under the arrangement, Dell will provide the underlying compute, storage and networking technologies designed to power high-performance AI workloads, including generative AI, analytics and machine learning applications. Ooredoo intends to integrate these systems into its Sovereign AI Cloud, offering managed services that allow customers to develop, train and deploy AI models without moving sensitive data outside domestic jurisdictions.

Aziz Aluthman Fakhroo, Group Chief Executive of Ooredoo, said the collaboration supports the company’s broader ambition to become a digital infrastructure leader in its core markets. He noted that enterprises and public sector bodies are seeking scalable AI capabilities while maintaining compliance with local regulatory frameworks. By combining global technology expertise with regional cloud infrastructure, the companies aim to shorten deployment timelines and reduce complexity for clients embarking on AI transformation programmes.

Michael Dell, Chairman and Chief Executive of Dell Technologies, emphasised that sovereign AI solutions are becoming a central requirement for many countries seeking to harness artificial intelligence while retaining control over data governance. He said the collaboration reflects a growing trend in which telecom operators and cloud providers partner with infrastructure specialists to build national AI ecosystems.

Demand for sovereign cloud and AI infrastructure has grown as governments tighten rules around cross-border data flows and cybersecurity. Countries across the Gulf have introduced data protection regulations and national AI strategies, encouraging investment in localised digital capacity. Enterprises in sectors such as finance, energy, healthcare and public administration face strict compliance obligations, making domestic AI hosting an attractive option.

Industry analysts observe that telecom operators are increasingly repositioning themselves as technology integrators, moving beyond connectivity to provide cloud, cybersecurity and AI services. For Ooredoo, which operates in markets including Qatar, Kuwait and Oman, the Sovereign AI Cloud forms part of a wider digital transformation agenda designed to diversify revenue streams and enhance enterprise offerings.

Dell has expanded its AI portfolio through integrated systems combining graphics processing units, optimised servers and data management tools tailored for generative AI workloads. Its strategy has centred on providing end-to-end infrastructure capable of supporting large language models and complex analytics in both public and private cloud environments. Collaboration with regional operators allows Dell to extend its reach into markets where national hosting requirements shape purchasing decisions.

AI-as-a-Service models are gaining traction as organisations seek flexible access to advanced capabilities without heavy upfront capital expenditure. Managed AI platforms enable businesses to experiment with machine learning and generative AI applications, scaling usage as needed. By embedding Dell’s hardware and software stack within Ooredoo’s cloud, the partners aim to offer a turnkey solution that reduces barriers to adoption.

Competition in the sovereign cloud space is intensifying. Global hyperscale providers and regional technology firms are investing heavily in data centres and AI infrastructure across the Middle East. Governments have signalled that local capacity will be critical to achieving digital economy targets and fostering innovation ecosystems. Partnerships between telecom operators and technology vendors are seen as a practical route to accelerate deployment while sharing expertise.

Security and energy efficiency are expected to be key differentiators. AI workloads are resource-intensive, requiring significant compute power and cooling capacity. Both companies indicated that the infrastructure underpinning the Sovereign AI Cloud will incorporate advanced data centre technologies aimed at optimising performance while managing operational costs. Energy considerations are particularly relevant in a region balancing rapid digital growth with sustainability objectives.

For enterprise customers, the collaboration could translate into improved access to AI development environments tailored to local languages, regulatory standards and industry-specific requirements. Governments have expressed interest in leveraging AI for smart city initiatives, public service delivery and economic diversification. A domestically hosted AI platform may also support academic research and start-up ecosystems seeking high-performance computing resources.