UAE‑IX launches region’s first 400GE internet ports

UAE‑IX launches region’s first 400GE internet ports is profiled by BTW Media because published evidence links it to internet infrastructure, governance, operational dependencies, or market visibility.

• First and only 400 GE access in the Middle East strengthens UAE-IX’s role as the region’s top peering hub.
• Connected capacity surged by 2 Tbps over the past year, now exceeding 6 Tbps across nearly 110 networks.

What happened: Middle East’s largest IX gets 400GE upgrade

DE-CIX, the world-leading Internet Exchange (IX) operator, in partnership with Datamena(du’s carrier-neutral data centre and connectivity arm), has launched 400 Gigabit Ethernet (400 GE) ports at UAE-IX in Dubai—the first IX in the Middle East to offer this class of access . Since its 2012 inception, UAE-IX has grown to serve approximately 110 participants—including ISPs, cloud and content providers, carriers, and enterprises—with more than 6 Tbps of connected capacity. That capacity has risen by around 2 Tbps, or 30%, in just twelve months.

Ivo Ivanov, CEO of DE-CIX, described the hub as a “global Internet hub” delivering resilient, low-latency connectivity for the GCC. Karim Benkirane, CCO at du, emphasised the shared vision of enabling high-performance, secure interconnection region-wide.

Also read: DE-CIX internet exchange now live at Elea Data Centers
Also read: Microsoft and DE-CIX partner to boost cloud connectivity

Why it’s important

The deployment of 400 GE ports is a strategic step forward for UAE-IX’s future-proofing, enabling members to scale network capacity in line with exploding demand for cloud, AI, video and enterprise services. As the only IX in the region with such high-speed access, UAE-IX now stands apart both regionally and globally.

Operating under the DE-CIX–as-a-Service (DaaS) model, the exchange offers turnkey solutions—from installation and provisioning to marketing support—for partners such as carriers and data centres. DE-CIX already manages IXs in Iraq, Jordan, Qatar, Turkey and the UAE, aiming to foster more resilient regional network economies.

From a technical standpoint, higher-capacity ports reduce congestion and mean less reliance on expensive transit services—translating into faster, more efficient routes across global networks.