NEWS
F5 expands global network with new point of presence in UAE
F5 has expanded its global network with a new point of presence , PoP in UAE . Now up and running , the PoP is part of a purposebuilt cloud-native platform that connects and secures distributed applications in multicloud and edge environments .
“ Optimised for app-to-app connectivity and security , our PoPs stand out in the market by consolidating multiple services across monolithic and microservices applications . This significantly simplifies app and API management , security , as well as network connectivity across distributed infrastructures ,” said Mohammed Abukhater , RVP for the Middle East , Türkiye , and Africa at F5 .
Organisations manage huge numbers of applications , connected by APIs , that span both traditional and modern architectures and are distributed across multiple clouds , SaaS , on-premises data centres , and edge sites . At the same time , applications have become the front door to cybercrime , and APIs are increasingly the key .
Providing 15 + Tbps of peered capacity , all F5 PoPs are interconnected using a dedicated and redundant private backbone , multiple transit , and peering connections for direct connectivity across multiple cloud providers , enterprise cloud and edge locations , and telecom operators . It also gives customers the capability to offload high-performance or latency-sensitive workloads , and functions as a distributed control plane with software running on the customer ’ s edge or cloud site .
All F5 PoPs are built in major colocation facilities at Equinix , Digital Realty , Telehouse , and Cologix with strict security procedures like video sensors , biometrics , and human verification to ensure secure platform access .
F5 Distributed Cloud Platform provides routing , SD-WAN termination , load balancing , multi-layer security , Kubernetes-based app orchestration , and a globally distributed app gateway , all of which are accessible from every PoP on the F5 global network .
Using a combination of threat feeds , signature matching , and advanced algorithmic + AI , ML techniques , F5 protects customer APIs and applications from attacks via the public Internet or within the enterprise .
RAKBANK executes cross-border Central Bank Digital Currency payment using mBridge
The National Bank of Ras Al Khaimah , announced that it is one of the first banks in the United Arab Emirates to successfully execute an international remittance using China ’ s digital Yuan , eCNY in exchange for the Digital Dirham , the UAE ’ s CBDC .
RAKBANK executed a cross-border Central Bank Digital Currency , CBDC payment using mBridge . The trade , facilitated through CBUAE ’ s innovative mBridge platform , instantaneously transferred Digital Dirham against digital Chinese Yuan .
Raheel Ahmed , Group CEO of RAKBANK , commented : “ The participation of RAKBANK in the mBridge platform and the execution of our first-ever central bank digital currency international payment highlights RAKBANK ’ s cutting-edge digital capabilities .”
Project mBridge is an ambitious initiative aimed at addressing inefficiencies in
Raheel Ahmed
cross-border payments , such as high costs , slow processing times , and operational complexities . Launched in 2021 , it is a collaborative effort between the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates , CBUAE , the BIS Innovation Hub , the Bank of Thailand , the Digital Currency Institute of the People ’ s Bank of China , and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority .
The core of mBridge is a multi-central bank digital currency platform , built on distributed ledger technology , DLT . This platform allows participating central and commercial banks to conduct real-time , peer-to-peer cross-border payments and foreign exchange transactions . The mBridge Ledger , a new blockchain , underpins the platform , supporting secure and instantaneous transactions .
The landmark transaction by RAKBANK not only highlights the bank ’ s cutting-edge digital capabilities but also marks a significant step forward in the global financial landscape .
Vikas Suri , Co-Head of Wholesale Banking Group at RAKBANK , added , “ The successful transfer of eCNY to our correspondent in China is a game-changer in several respects . It is one of the first UAE-led foreign currency transfers executed in local currencies without involving a third currency to China and without using conventional payment rails .”
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