Latest news with #KarimBenkirane
Mid East Info
3 days ago
- Business
- Mid East Info
UAE-IX Powered by DE-CIX Introduces 400 Gigabit Ethernet Connectivity, Strengthening Position as the Largest Internet Exchange in the Middle East
DE-CIX and datamena have upgraded the UAE-IX to offer 400 Gigabit Ethernet, enhancing its status as the largest and most advanced Internet Exchange in the Middle East and supporting the region's digital growth. Dubai, UAE, May , 2025: datamena, carrier neutral data centre and connectivity platform from du, the leading telecom and digital services provider, and DE-CIX, the global leader in Internet Exchange (IX) operations, announced a significant upgrade to the UAE-IX powered by DE-CIX, making it the first IX in the region to offer 400 Gigabit Ethernet (400 GE) access. This enhancement solidifies the UAE-IX's position as the largest and most advanced Internet Exchange in the Middle East, enabling unmatched connectivity and interconnection capabilities for enterprises, carriers, and content providers across the GCC and beyond. In the last year alone, connected customer capacity on the UAE-IX grew by two terabits, representing a 30% increase. With over six terabits of aggregate connected capacity and close to 110 participating networks—including Internet service providers, carriers, cloud platforms, content providers, and global enterprises—the exchange has evolved into a critical digital infrastructure hub for the region. Karim Benkirane, Chief Commercial Officer at du, said: 'We are proud to partner with DE-CIX in leading digital growth in the Middle East with the upgrade of the UAE-IX powered by DE-CIX to 400 GE access. It is our vision to foster a seamlessly interconnected landscape where businesses and consumers alike can benefit from unparalleled Internet exchange capabilities, heightened performance, and robust security. This milestone aligns with our commitment to maintaining the UAE-IX as a pioneer in interconnection and marks a transformative leap for regional digital ecosystems.' The UAE-IX stands out not only as a leading peering exchange but also as a provider of advanced enterprise-grade interconnection services, including cloud exchanges, cloud routing, and application connectivity such as the Microsoft Azure Peering Service (MAPS). Ivo Ivanov, CEO of DE-CIX said: 'The UAE-IX today stands as a global Internet hub, bringing together the network operators, content, applications, and cloud services to serve the entire GCC region with resilient and low latency connectivity. This upgrade further reinforces the importance of the UAE-IX, now ready to serve the rising demand for everything digital. The excellent collaboration with our partner du has enabled the UAE-IX powered by DE-CIX to shine as the most important aggregation point for network interconnection in the Middle East. I look forward to a bright future working together for the next decade of digital development.' DE-CIX, renowned for its neutral interconnection ecosystem and extensive global footprint, has been active in the Middle East for over a decade, with IX operations spanning Iraq, Jordan, Qatar, Turkey, and the UAE. The UAE-IX powered by DE-CIX in Dubai is operated under the DE-CIX as a Service (DaaS) model, offering a turnkey solution for partners—including carriers and data center operators—through comprehensive services such as setup, maintenance, provisioning, marketing, and sales support. This upgrade is set to empower regional businesses, foster technological advancement, and support the rapidly growing demand for high-performance, low-latency digital connectivity, paving the way for continued innovation and growth in the Middle East. About datamena: datamena is the UAE's fastest growing carrier neutral data centre and leading digital hub serving the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region. It is owned and operated by du, from Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC). Carriers, hyperscalers, cloud and content providers and enterprises choose datamena because it provides a growing ecosystem of partners that enables them to meet, connect and do business to accelerate growth in Asia, Africa, Europe and the Middle East. datamena provides customer access to critical digital infrastructure and partners within a simple and seamless ecosystem to allow them to benefit from global cloud and content hubs by providing a seamless and high-performance data centre, connectivity and interconnectivity solutions dedicated to enabling local and global digital transformation and we're only just getting started. The simple, secure and open ecosystem has been awarded 'Best Internet Exchange Innovation' at the 15th edition of the prestigious Global Carrier Awards 2019, which took place in London, United Kingdom. About DE-CIX: DE-CIX, pronounced DEE-KICKS dˈi:-kˈɪks , is the world's leading operator of Internet Exchanges (IXs). Founded in 1995, the company is celebrating its 30 th anniversary in 2025. DE-CIX offers its interconnection services in 60 locations in Europe, Africa, North and South America, the Middle East, and Asia. Today, accessible from data centers in over 600 cities world-wide, DE-CIX interconnects thousands of network operators (carriers), Internet service providers (ISPs), content providers and enterprise networks from more than 100 countries, and offers peering, cloud, and other interconnection services. DE-CIX Frankfurt is one of the largest Internet Exchanges in the world, with a data volume of over 45 Exabytes per year (as of 2024) and close to 1100 connected networks. Close to 250 colleagues from over 35 different nations form the foundation of the DE-CIX success story in Germany and around the world. Since the beginning of the commercial Internet, DE-CIX has had a decisive influence – in a range of leading global bodies, such as the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) – on co-defining guiding principles for the Internet of the present and the future. As the operator of critical IT infrastructure, DE-CIX bears a great responsibility for the seamless, fast, and secure data exchange between people, enterprises, and organizations at its locations around the globe.
TECHx
3 days ago
- Business
- TECHx
UAE-IX Boosts Capacity with 400 GE Access
Home » Emerging technologies » Networking » UAE-IX Boosts Capacity with 400 GE Access UAE-IX powered by DE-CIX has announced a significant upgrade to its platform. The exchange is now the first in the region to offer 400 Gigabit Ethernet (400 GE) access. This enhancement solidifies UAE-IX's position as the largest and most advanced Internet Exchange in the Middle East. It enables unmatched connectivity and interconnection capabilities for enterprises, carriers, and content providers across the GCC and beyond. In the last year alone, connected customer capacity on UAE-IX grew by two terabits. This marks a 30% increase. Currently, UAE-IX has over six terabits of connected capacity. It also serves close to 110 participating networks. These include Internet service providers, carriers, cloud platforms, content providers, and global enterprises. Karim Benkirane, Chief Commercial Officer at du, said: 'We are proud to partner with DE-CIX in leading digital growth in the Middle East with the upgrade of UAE-IX powered by DE-CIX to 400 GE access. It is our vision to foster a seamlessly interconnected landscape where businesses and consumers alike can benefit from unparalleled Internet exchange capabilities, heightened performance, and robust security.' He added that this milestone aligns with their commitment to maintaining UAE-IX as a pioneer in interconnection. Benkirane called it a transformative leap for regional digital ecosystems. UAE-IX stands out not only as a leading peering exchange but also as a provider of advanced enterprise-grade interconnection services. These include: Cloud exchanges Cloud routing Application connectivity, such as the Microsoft Azure Peering Service (MAPS) Ivo Ivanov, CEO of DE-CIX, said: 'The UAE-IX today stands as a global Internet hub, bringing together network operators, content, applications, and cloud services to serve the entire GCC region with resilient and low latency connectivity.' He revealed that this upgrade further reinforces UAE-IX's role as a key aggregation point for network interconnection in the Middle East. Ivanov added: 'The excellent collaboration with our partner du has enabled UAE-IX powered by DE-CIX to shine as the most important aggregation point for network interconnection in the Middle East. I look forward to a bright future working together for the next decade of digital development.' DE-CIX, renowned for its neutral interconnection ecosystem and extensive global footprint, has been active in the Middle East for over a decade. Operations span Iraq, Jordan, Qatar, Turkey, and the UAE. UAE-IX powered by DE-CIX in Dubai is operated under its DaaS (DE-CIX as a Service) model. This offers a turnkey solution for partners, including carriers and data center operators, through comprehensive services such as setup, maintenance, provisioning, marketing, and sales support. This upgrade is set to empower regional businesses, foster technological advancement, and support the growing demand for high-performance, low-latency digital connectivity, paving the way for continued innovation and growth in the Middle East.
Al Bawaba
3 days ago
- Business
- Al Bawaba
UAE-IX Powered by DE-CIX Introduces 400 Gigabit Ethernet Connectivity, Strengthening Position as the Largest Internet Exchange in the Middle East
datamena, carrier neutral data centre and connectivity platform from du, the leading telecom and digital services provider, and DE-CIX, the global leader in Internet Exchange (IX) operations, announced a significant upgrade to the UAE-IX powered by DE-CIX, making it the first IX in the region to offer 400 Gigabit Ethernet (400 GE) access. This enhancement solidifies the UAE-IX's position as the largest and most advanced Internet Exchange in the Middle East, enabling unmatched connectivity and interconnection capabilities for enterprises, carriers, and content providers across the GCC and the last year alone, connected customer capacity on the UAE-IX grew by two terabits, representing a 30% increase. With over six terabits of aggregate connected capacity and close to 110 participating networks—including Internet service providers, carriers, cloud platforms, content providers, and global enterprises—the exchange has evolved into a critical digital infrastructure hub for the Benkirane, Chief Commercial Officer at du, said: 'We are proud to partner with DE-CIX in leading digital growth in the Middle East with the upgrade of the UAE-IX powered by DE-CIX to 400 GE access. It is our vision to foster a seamlessly interconnected landscape where businesses and consumers alike can benefit from unparalleled Internet exchange capabilities, heightened performance, and robust security. This milestone aligns with our commitment to maintaining the UAE-IX as a pioneer in interconnection and marks a transformative leap for regional digital ecosystems.'The UAE-IX stands out not only as a leading peering exchange but also as a provider of advanced enterprise-grade interconnection services, including cloud exchanges, cloud routing, and application connectivity such as the Microsoft Azure Peering Service (MAPS).Ivo Ivanov, CEO of DE-CIX said: 'The UAE-IX today stands as a global Internet hub, bringing together the network operators, content, applications, and cloud services to serve the entire GCC region with resilient and low latency connectivity. This upgrade further reinforces the importance of the UAE-IX, now ready to serve the rising demand for everything digital. The excellent collaboration with our partner du has enabled the UAE-IX powered by DE-CIX to shine as the most important aggregation point for network interconnection in the Middle East. I look forward to a bright future working together for the next decade of digital development.'DE-CIX, renowned for its neutral interconnection ecosystem and extensive global footprint, has been active in the Middle East for over a decade, with IX operations spanning Iraq, Jordan, Qatar, Turkey, and the UAE. The UAE-IX powered by DE-CIX in Dubai is operated under the DE-CIX as a Service (DaaS) model, offering a turnkey solution for partners—including carriers and data center operators—through comprehensive services such as setup, maintenance, provisioning, marketing, and sales support. This upgrade is set to empower regional businesses, foster technological advancement, and support the rapidly growing demand for high-performance, low-latency digital connectivity, paving the way for continued innovation and growth in the Middle East.
Broadcast Pro
26-05-2025
- Business
- Broadcast Pro
Yango Play and du partner to deliver exclusive premium content across UAE
As part of the rollout, du is offering a complimentary 12-month Yango Play subscription to eligible customers on select home plans. Yango Play, the all-in-one entertainment super-app, has partnered with UAE telecom giant du to offer a new level of digital entertainment to customers nationwide. The collaboration brings Yango Play to du's select Home Plans via the 'My Favourites' platform, giving subscribers access to a wide range of premium content. This strategic partnership enhances the entertainment experience for du users by combining streaming, music, and interactive gaming into a single, seamless application. Yango Play's exclusive video lineup features seven Arabic-language productions, including four titles available only on the platform. The series spans genres from drama and comedy to family-friendly fare, offering culturally relevant stories that resonate with regional audiences. In addition to exclusive series and films, the app provides users with a vast music library, tailored playlists, and an array of casual and interactive games, catering to a variety of entertainment preferences. Speaking about the collaboration, Roman Shimansky, Chief Executive Officer of Yango Play, said: 'We are thrilled to join forces with du to offer a truly comprehensive entertainment experience that extends beyond streaming. With an unmatched mix of movies, series, music, and gaming, Yango Play is redefining digital entertainment in the region. This partnership with du allows us to make premium content more accessible to users across the UAE.' Karim Benkirane, Chief Commercial Officer at du, added: 'At du, we believe in going beyond traditional boundaries to elevate the experiences we offer our valued customers. Our collaboration and year-long journey with Yango Play manifests this vision by bringing families together and enriching lives across the UAE.' As part of its commitment to delivering added value to its customers, du is offering a 12-months complimentary subscription to Yango Play on select home plans. Eligible subscribers can activate their complimentary Yango Play subscription easily through the du app.
Campaign ME
14-05-2025
- Business
- Campaign ME
du campaign: 12 creators. 1 phone. 48-hour non-stop livestream. 1 world record.
Telecom and digital services provider du has set a Guinness World Record™ for the 'Longest Promotional Livestream', accomplished in collaboration with TikTok Live MENA, as part of its Unstoppable Network campaign. The campaign was brought to life by creative agency TBWA\Raad, production house Digital Tree, and media and influencer agencies Mindshare and GOAT in partnership with TikTok Live. Given the mandate to highlight du's 'Unstoppable Network' reception, prove its seamless 5G coverage across all seven Emirates, and boost brand sentiment, brand love and affinity, TWBA\Raad ideated and executed a campaign that witnessed a single smartphone passed from one individual to another whilst maintaining an uninterrupted 48-hour livestream, free from drops, lag, or any disruptions, showcasing the reliability of du's network in the UAE. While the hero activation included a continuous TikTok Live across each of the seven Emirates in the UAE – an on-the-move broadcast, which ultimately set a Guinness World Record™, the larger campaign included full-funnel support content, including: Teaser, live, and recap phases on Meta, TikTok and LinkedIn on Meta, TikTok and LinkedIn In‑store promotion s at du Flagship stores s at du Flagship stores On‑ground 'spot' appearances by the content‑creator convoy by the content‑creator convoy Earned PR across regional tech and marketing press Karim Benkirane, Chief Commercial Officer, du, said, 'This record is much more than a milestone for du; it symbolises the culmination of years of relentless investment by du since the launch of 5G technology. This sustained commitment has enabled us to achieve the best 5G and 4G coverage across the UAE. With our top-tier connectivity, we are opening up new possibilities for people to experience the richness of UAE's cultural and adventurous offerings, directly from their screens.' The brand confirmed that it has deployed the latest infrastructure, with the du 5G network achieving 99 per cent coverage across the UAE. The telecom and digital services provider is now expanding and enhancing this infrastructure beyond 5G as it now looks to deliver 5G-Advanced capabilities across the nation. In conversation with Campaign Middle East, Joe Lahham, Managing Director of TBWA\Raad, said, 'Driving uninterrupted TikTok Live footage for more than 30 hours was the clearest, most transparent stress‑test of the network. Promoting the stunt on adjacent social channels made the hand‑off to TikTok frictionless, maximising live traffic and engagement.' Twelve UAE‑based creators – ranging from tech reviewers to lifestyle vloggers – took turns hosting the Live, injecting their own POV and keeping the broadcast entertaining and interactive. Their roles involved real‑time chats, questions and answer sessions and ensuring follower growth. Hosts included in the campaign were: Sasha Afsh, Coral Bridget Stevens, Ahmed Al Kass, Hasan Ismail, Saqer Al Qassem, Abdulla Gheyath, Big Hass, Mohamed Omer, Amar Al Bawab, Chioma Juliette, Alex Augusti, Ayesha Aljneibi The record-breaking initiative took place from April 11-13, featuring a seamless handoff between these UAE-based content creators. The phone served as the portal through which viewers globally could engage with a host of exhilarating experiences, ranging from kayaking in Abu Dhabi to ziplining in Ras Al Khaimah. The thrilling journey also included serene moments such as hot air balloon rides, showcasing the versatility of experiences the UAE has to offer. View this post on Instagram A post shared by du (@du) Reda Raad, Group Chief Executive Officer, TBWA\RAAD, said, 'This brand experience is the disruptive creative demo we needed, shifting du from telling people how great the network is to showing them instead. Storydoing at full throttle – no scripts, no safety nets – just a brave, public test of speed and reach. Disruption® is about actions that rewrite the rules, and nothing rewrites them like a live, nation-wide stress test that ends in a Guinness title.' This livestream aligned with du's commitment to providing high-speed, reliable and world-class coverage, enabling its customers to add seamless digital experiences to their everyday lifestyle. The campaign was measured against three primary KPIs – engagement, shareability and the Guinness World Record itself – and met or exceeded every target. Boxia Liu, Regional Director of TikTok LIVE MENA, said, 'We are proud to partner with du on this groundbreaking initiative that not only set a new world record but also redefined how digital platforms can connect cultures and communities. Liu concluded, 'This achievement reflects the power of TikTok LIVE in creating authentic, real-time experiences that inspire and engage audiences across the region. Together with du's exceptional connectivity, we showcased the UAE's vibrant spirit in an entirely new and unforgettable way.' CREDITS: Client: du Simon Ornelis, Director Brand Development & Corporate Identity Hawra Dawood, Manager Brand Development & Corporate Identity Layal Hassi, Media Planning & Buying Manager Aisha Abbasi, Manager, Social Media, Events & Sponsorship Ibrahim Al Mayahi, VP Brand & Marketing Communication Creative Agency: TBWA\RAAD Joe Lahham, Managing Director Catherine Bannister, Chief Strategy Officer Santiago Cuesta, Executive Creative Director Noor Akar, Creative Director Daniela Aguirre, Senior Copywriter Denise Gregory, Junior Designer Preetam Kotian, Senior Motion Designer Carl Ghosn, Account Director Layla Gaussin, Senior Account Manager Reem Sabbagh, Senior Account Executive Romy Abdelnour, Head of Communications Lea Moufarej, Corporate Communications Executive Platform partner: Tiktok/ Tiktok LIVE / ByteDance Sara Gentile, TikTok LIVE METAP Lead for Branding, Content and Social Media Rea Jabara, Creative Consultant at TikTok Media Agency: Mindshare Naya Ghorayeb, Media Planner Karim Daba, Media Manager Joseph El Bcherrawi, Client Leadership Director Production: Digital Tree Mehr Hussain, Business Developer Manager Laith Al Ramahi, Creative Director PR: MSL Group, Publicis Groupe Middle East
