Sylvia Duruson
Telecom Egypt and Saudi Arabian technology, media, and telecom (TMT) company Mobily have signed a cooperation agreement to land the first Saudi submarine cable connecting the Kingdom to Egypt. This landmark deal aims to enhance regional connectivity and bolster communication links between the Middle East and Europe.
The new cable, a wholly-owned Mobily project, will cross the Red Sea and provide a direct link between Saudi Arabia and Egypt, with various connection points allowing for expansion into Europe. In a joint statement, the companies revealed that the cable will land at two cable landing stations in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, and Duba, Saudi Arabia.
According to Mobily CEO Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al-Badran, “The signing of the agreement underscores our commitment to expanding our infrastructure and enhancing our capabilities both regionally and internationally, as Mobily’s new cable will connect Saudi Arabia to Egypt and improve communication flexibility between the Middle East and Europe.”
Telecom Egypt’s managing director and CEO, Mohamed Nasr, also expressed enthusiasm for the agreement, describing it as a significant milestone in advancing the companies’ joint plans.
The Telecom Egypt-Mobily partnership comes at a time when the African and Middle Eastern regions are witnessing a surge in subsea cable development. In January 2024, Telecom Egypt and Zain Omantel International (ZOI) collaborated to establish a new digital corridor connecting the Mediterranean to the Arabian Sea and Arabian Gulf.
Moreover, in May 2024, ICT solutions provider Angola Cables and Cameroon’s incumbent telecommunications operator, Camtel, joined forces to expand digital and connectivity services in Cameroon and the West Africa region. Mauritius Telecom also partnered with Orange and Reliance Jio to build a new subsea cable connecting Africa, Indian Ocean islands, and Asia.
These recent developments underscore the growing importance of robust subsea infrastructure in fostering digital connectivity and unlocking new opportunities for economic growth and collaboration across the region. The Telecom Egypt-Mobily partnership is poised to play a pivotal role in strengthening the digital backbone that connects Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and beyond, paving the way for enhanced regional integration and global integration.
