Google has announced a major investment in the Dhivaru subsea cable system, a new Trans-Indian Ocean network that will link the Maldives, Christmas Island, and Oman. The project will expand on the existing Australia Connect initiative, enhancing the reach, reliability, and resilience of digital connectivity across the Indian Ocean region.
The move comes amid rapid adoption of AI-driven services such as Gemini 2.5 Flash Image (aka Nano Banana) and Vertex AI, which require robust and reliable connectivity. Google notes that the speed of AI adoption is exceeding forecasts, prompting the company to invest heavily in infrastructure to meet growing demand.
The cable’s name, “Dhivaru,” refers to the line controlling the main sail on traditional Maldivian sailing vessels, symbolizing the skill and expertise of early sailors navigating the seas.
In addition to the subsea cable, Google plans to establish two new regional connectivity hubs in the Maldives and Christmas Island. Strategically located, these hubs aim to strengthen digital connections across Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, and Oceania, supporting a more resilient and high-speed network for the region.
His Excellency the President of Republic of Maldives, Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, stated:
Google’s decision to invest in the Maldives is a strong signal of confidence in our country’s stable and open investment environment, and a direct contribution to my vision for a diversified, inclusive, and digitized Maldivian economy. As the world moves rapidly toward an era defined by digital transformation and artificial intelligence, this project reflects how the Maldives is positioning itself at the crossroads of global connectivity—leveraging our strategic geography to create new economic opportunities for our people and to participate meaningfully in the future of the global economy.
Ooredoo Maldives CEO and MD, Khalid Al Hamadi, commented:
We are delighted to partner with Google on this landmark initiative to establish a new connectivity hub in the Maldives. This project represents a major step forward in strengthening the nation’s digital infrastructure and enabling the next wave of digital transformation. As a leading digital provider, Ooredoo Maldives continues to expand world-class connectivity and digital services nationwide. This progress opens new opportunities for businesses such as tourism, enabling smarter operations, improved customer experiences, and greater global reach. We are proud to be powering the next phase of the Digital Maldives.
Ismail Rasheed, CEO & MD, DHIRAAGU, added:
This strategic collaboration with one of the world’s largest tech players marks another milestone in strengthening the nation’s presence within the global subsea infrastructure, and further enhances the reliability and resiliency of our digital ecosystem.
The new connectivity hubs in the Maldives and Christmas Island are ideally situated to deepen the resilience of internet infrastructure in the Indian Ocean Region. The facilities will help power Google’s products, strengthen local economies, and bring AI benefits to people and businesses around the world.
