e& & DE-CIX set to Expand Middle East Internet Connectivity

The UAE telecommunications group e& has formed a partnership with DE-CIX, a leading provider of premium interconnection services and the leading operator of carrier and data centre-neutral Internet Exchanges (IX).
Designed to expand IX infrastructure across the Middle East, DE-CIX will integrate its technology into e&'s SmartHub internet exchange. An internet exchange point enables internet service providers and content networks to exchange internet traffic between their networks.
The partnership will establish new internet exchange locations in Dubai, which hopes to enable telecommunications companies, content providers and internet service providers (ISPs) to interconnect their networks.
"This groundbreaking advancement will significantly enhance the digital landscape in the UAE and the wider region,” comments Nabil Baccouche, Group Chief Carrier & Wholesale Officer at e&.
“This strategic collaboration aligns perfectly with our vision of building a dynamic and interconnected digital infrastructure.”
Extending global connectivity reach
e& Carrier & Wholesale, the wholesale telecommunications division of e&, operates multiple data centres across the Middle East that provide SmartHub internet exchange services.
The division manages the region's primary submarine cable landing station in Fujairah, where subsea telecommunications cables connect to terrestrial networks.
e&'s Remote Peering Service positions SmartHub IX as a strategic gateway to global markets, providing customers with seamless cross-border connectivity and enhanced data exchange.
The service aims to reduce network operation costs for businesses and service providers, whilst also reducing latency through its partnership with DE-CIX.
DE-CIX operates internet exchange points across 60 locations in Europe, the Middle East, North and South America, Asia and Africa. The company recently expanded its United States operations by launching 100G ports and a range of services, including remote peering to all DE-CIX locations across Europe and North America to offer direct connectivity to cloud service providers.
The integration with SmartHub will create direct connectivity between the UAE and DE-CIX's internet exchanges in India. This connection will establish a telecommunications corridor between the two markets.
"We are honoured to have been chosen by our valued partner, e&, to drive SmartHub IX powered by DE-CIX forward," says Ivo Ivanov, CEO at DE-CIX.
Strengthening regional interconnectivity
The partnership forms part of DE-CIX's wider business strategy to expand its internet exchange presence through prioritising partnerships.
DE-CIX has explained that partnerships are necessary to expand interconnectivity options around the world, as the organisations work to reduce gaps in connectivity.
With e&, the company is eager to demonstrate that the Middle East will benefit from the best IX ecosystem in the area.
"Our common goal is not only to provide the digital economy in the Gulf region with the infrastructure it needs to forge closer local, regional and international ties, but also to strengthen the entire Middle Eastern interconnection ecosystem," Ivo adds.
According to Ivo, this agreement positions the UAE as the hotspot of interconnection for the entire region.
The direct connection between SmartHub and DE-CIX's Indian internet exchanges will also link two expanding digital markets.
Ivo explains: "Direct connectivity between SmartHub IX powered by DE-CIX and DE-CIX's IXs in India unites two highly valuable markets and connects the UAE even more strongly with global interconnection ecosystems."
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