In a significant move aimed at bolstering connectivity within the GCC, e& and Batelco have inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the landing of the Al Khaleej subsea cable system in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Spanning 1,400km, the Al Khaleej Cable will extend from the 21,700km SEA-ME-WE 6 cable, linking Bahrain with neighboring countries. This strategic development promises to enhance data exchange and communication capabilities across the region.
The partnership, formalized at the Capacity Middle East event, saw Nabil Baccouche, Group Chief Carrier & Wholesale Officer at e&, and Hani Askar, Chief Global Business Officer of Batelco, signing the MoU. It signifies e&’s commitment to facilitating the infrastructure necessary for landing the cable in the UAE and providing comprehensive operations and maintenance (O&M) support throughout its lifecycle.
Expressing enthusiasm, Nabil Baccouche stated, “We are thrilled to collaborate with Batelco as the exclusive landing party for the Al Khaleej cable in the UAE. Leveraging our decades-long expertise in landing numerous submarine cables, we are poised to deploy world-class infrastructure promptly as part of this strategic partnership.”
Hani Askar, Batelco’s Chief Global Business Officer, highlighted the significance of the milestone, stating, “The integration of the Al Khaleej submarine cable into the UAE, extending its reach to Bahrain and the wider GCC, marks a pivotal moment in the region’s telecommunications landscape. This development enhances crucial subsea route diversification, paving the way for unparalleled international connectivity into the Middle East.”
“With Bahrain directly linked to other GCC countries through this advanced infrastructure, we are ushering in a new era of seamless and efficient data exchange,” Askar emphasized, underlining Batelco’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge connectivity solutions.
The Al Khaleej Cable is poised to diversify routes and bolster international connectivity for the region, positioning the GCC as a primary global hub for ICT investment and growth.
