Kuwait’s Communication and Information Technology Regulatory Authority (CITRA) awarded a contract license to Ooredoo group for the submarine cable, Fibre in Gulf (FIG).
The gigantic project connects seven Arabian Gulf countries (Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates) and provides a secure route for a new corridor to Europe.
With a capacity of 720 terabyte per second (Tbps) and 24 pairs of optical fibers, the FIG is one of the most advanced cables in the world, signifying a quantum leap in the Gulf region’s digital infrastructure, according to a statement from CITRA.
“The project, which is expected to go operational by Q4-2027, will boost the resilience and credibility of the communication networks in the region and expand the scope of connectivity with the world in the long run,” noted CITRA Acting Chairman, Abdullah Al-Ajmi.
“It will enhance the competitive edge of the networks amid growing demand for high-speed internet, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence (AI) services,” he added. Al-Ajmi affirmed that the project represents a big stride in Kuwait’s drive to become a regional hub for digital transformation, business, and technology. It also solidifies CITRA’s commitment to promoting the national infrastructure, supporting economic growth and sustainable development, and leading digital economy initiatives.
Meanwhile, Sheikh Nasser Bin Hamad Bin Nasser Al Thani, Regional CEO of Ooredoo for the Middle East, affirmed that the project will promote the development of digital infrastructure and link the national networks of the Gulf region with the outside world.
“The FIG has to do with not only the speed of the internet but the long-term investment and the future of telecommunications in the region as well,” Al Thani pointed out. The project presents new horizons for innovation and more investment in hi-tech and enables businesses and internet providers to share data in a fast, secure, and effective way; thus, improving the performance of the various economic sectors.
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