Written By: Ayk Alrabadi – Senior Manager – Strategic Accounts (GBI)

Doha, Qatar – March 3, 2022 – Preparations for Qatar’s 2022 World Cup have been ramping up nationally, with connectivity being one of the top priorities. The 2018 World Cup saw a total reach of 3.87 billion viewers and an average of 190.5 million live match viewers per game. It is paramount that Qatar is prepared to host match-goers locally as well as ensure that global viewers have a seamless viewing experience.

The Qatar WC Supreme Committee has recently publicized its strong effort in building Qatar’s local state-of-the-art fibre network. Similarly, at GBI we are ensuring that we are adequately prepared to handle requirements from an international perspective. Initiatives like our Capacity Protection Programme aim to ensure that under no circumstances are match viewers disadvantaged in cases of any network outages. GBI is also working with the relevant local authorities, broadcasters, and industry peers to support Qatar’s World Cup effort. Our investments in our GBI Smart Network and experience in the region enable us to navigate the geopolitical landscape and deliver even the most complex requirements to our customers and partners.

Being a Qatari-owned company, we are proud and understand the supporting role we must play in the upcoming World Cup. GBI’s IP Transit, Capacity Services, and MPLS Backbone will play a key role in the connectivity foundation for the 2022 World Cup as it relates to the international segment. GBI is planning to utilize the full capability of our network to deliver for this world event with specific emphasis on our North Route which offers a proprietary latency from the East into Europe.

GBI is continuing to evolve and the 2022 World Cup is a major milestone on our journey. This opportunity will place Qatar on the global sporting stage, and further demonstrate why Qatar is an attractive commercial destination and a connectivity hub for the Middle East and beyond. Our abiding commitment to service continuity will provide the consistency of services that global football fans deserve and Qatar will champion.