Celebrating Two Decades of Connectivity
Capacity Middle East, colocated with Datacloud Middle East, is the premier meeting place for the key players shaping the MENA region’s digital infrastructure. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Capacity Middle East will feature three days of high-powered business discussions and relationship building, all set in a relaxed, high-level networking environment through its conference and world-class trade show.
Over 3,000 global professionals from the carrier, cloud, peering, hyperscale, content, voice, messaging, finance, edge, software, equipment, data center, and satellite industries will gather at Capacity Middle East to learn, network, and collaborate with their partners. The conference provides a platform to explore transformative trends, strategic investments, and innovative technologies driving the telecommunications sector across the Middle East and beyond.
This year’s event is particularly significant, given the rapid technological advancements and the evolving digital landscape. Capacity Middle East 2025 highlights the region’s pivotal role in the global telecommunications ecosystem, emphasizing its potential as a digital connectivity hub. The conference delves into critical issues such as the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in telecom operations, the expansion and evolution of data centers, and the deployment of 5G networks. It also addresses the growing importance of sustainable practices in digital infrastructure development, responding to the increasing demand for environmentally friendly and energy-efficient solutions.
Capacity Middle East 2025 is set to feature a distinguished lineup of speakers, bringing together thought leaders and industry experts to share their insights on the evolving telecommunications landscape. The event will host over 130 speakers, representing more than 550 companies from 90+ countries, fostering a rich exchange of knowledge and perspectives.
Among the prominent speakers are:
- Cengiz Oztelcan, CEO of GBI, who brings extensive experience in global telecommunications and strategic leadership.
- Nabil Baccouche, Group Chief Carrier & Wholesale Officer at e&, known for his expertise in carrier services and wholesale operations.
- Karim Benkirane, Chief Commercial Officer at du, recognized for his strategic approach to commercial operations in the telecom sector.
- Anis Bennani, Director of EMEA Network Acquisition at Microsoft, who plays a crucial role in expanding Microsoft’s network infrastructure across the region.
- Dame Dawn Childs, CEO of Pure Data Centre, bringing a wealth of experience in engineering and leadership within critical infrastructure sectors.
- Raphael Jouenne, Chief Strategy Officer at center3, who contributes strategic insights into digital infrastructure development.
- Amar Khan, Head of Network Site Investments at Meta, overseeing significant investments in network infrastructure to support Meta’s global operations.
- Veer Passi, Group CEO of Kalaam Carrier Solutions, leading initiatives in carrier solutions and telecommunications services.
- Sohail Qadir, CEO of ZOI, with a focus on innovative solutions in the telecom industry.
- Ruth Welter, VP Strategic Alliances at COLT Technology Services, specializing in forging strategic partnerships within the technology sector.
These speakers, among others, will provide valuable perspectives on topics such as AI integration in telecommunications, data center evolution, subsea infrastructure development, 5G rollout, and investment opportunities in the Middle East. Their collective expertise will contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the current trends and future directions in the telecommunications industry.
Discussions
Market Dynamics and Projections
The global telecommunications market is experiencing significant growth, with the Middle East poised to increase its market value substantially over the next few years. Experts analyze market dynamics, identifying key trends and projections for the next 12 to 36 months. The focus is on how the region can strengthen its community interconnections to foster digital infrastructure services, strategic alliances, and scalable network management.
AI Integration in Telecommunications
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the telecom sector, with substantial investments predicted in the coming years. The Middle East is emerging as a hub for AI, leveraging the technology to enhance customer service and develop autonomous networks. Discussions center around the efficiency gains in network management due to AI and its transformative role in the sector.
Data Center Evolution
The Middle East’s data center market is expected to double by 2030, driven by increasing demands for high-performance computing and multi-tenant facilities. Challenges such as scalability, connectivity outside the region, and skills gaps are examined. The role of hyperscalers in driving investment and the importance of developing robust digital infrastructure are key focal points.
Subsea Infrastructure and Connectivity
The development of subsea infrastructure is crucial to meet the region’s growing data center demands. With new cable deployments taking years, the industry is focused on ensuring carrier-neutral subsea landing stations to enhance international wholesale capacity. Discussions explore the impact of increased data center size on subsea capacity and the importance of resilient network paths.
5G Rollout and Network Expansion
The rollout of 5G across the Middle East is accelerating, with a particular emphasis on middle-income countries. 5G’s potential to transform enterprise solutions in healthcare, consumer services, and e-sports is highlighted. The growth in mobile data traffic and the challenges of ensuring robust cybersecurity in the network fabric are also discussed.
Economic Outlook and Investment
The economic outlook for the Middle East is promising, with growing foreign investment and joint ventures. The conference explores what makes the region attractive to investors, the risks involved, and how emerging markets are benefiting from policy changes. The role of investment in digital transformation and the development of infrastructure is a key theme.
Africa’s Connectivity and Middle East Relations
The growing broadband internet access in Africa and its impact on Middle Eastern connectivity is a significant topic. Efforts to create pan-continental infrastructure in Africa, the role of regulatory frameworks, and the importance of sustainable development are explored. The potential of alternative terrestrial fiber routes to improve connectivity between the Middle East and Europe is also discussed.
Digital Economy and Internet Infrastructure
The need for robust Internet infrastructure to support the digital economy is emphasized. Non-technical decision-makers are encouraged to understand the core elements of network scaling, routing security, and peering. These foundational components are essential for maintaining the stability and growth of the digital economy.
Gaming Industry Boom
The gaming industry in the Middle East is booming, with significant government investments fueling its growth. The behavioral patterns of gamers, device preferences, and network performance are analyzed. The development of stronger relationships between game developers, mobile operators, and smartphone manufacturers is also considered critical for future growth.
Messaging and Communication Evolution
The evolution of messaging technologies, such as Rich Communication Services (RCS) and Voice over IP (VoIP), is transforming communication in the Middle East. The increasing number of smartphone users and the challenges in adapting platforms for future needs are discussed, along with strategies to overcome these challenges.
Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) and Optical Networks
The rise of Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) is seen as a way to boost profits through enhanced flexibility and automation. Optical networks are also gaining prominence, with the potential to handle growing connectivity demands cost-effectively. The emergence of passive optical network (PON) technology and the role of regulation in market development are explored.
Sustainable Data Centers and Efficiency
Sustainability in data centers is a crucial topic, with the region’s embrace of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The challenges of implementing sustainable technologies, the impact on pricing, and the management of power and cooling requirements for AI workloads are discussed.
Future of A2P and eSIMs
The future of Application-to-Person (A2P) messaging in light of declining international business SMS traffic is analyzed. The potential for eSIMs to revolutionize the travel landscape and their strategic implications for telecom operators are also examined, focusing on the impact on tourism and regulatory challenges.
The event serves as a barometer for the region’s economic outlook, exploring the impact of foreign investments, regulatory changes, and market dynamics on the telecommunications sector. It offers insights into the future trajectory of connectivity, with a particular focus on enhancing subsea infrastructure, developing alternative terrestrial fiber routes, and strengthening regional and international network resilience.
Capacity Middle East 2025 is not just a conference but a catalyst for dialogue and collaboration among industry leaders. It facilitates the exchange of ideas and best practices, fostering an environment that encourages innovation and the creation of new business opportunities. The event is a testament to the Middle East’s growing influence in the digital age, positioning itself as a leader in the global telecommunications landscape.
