In a significant move to fortify regional communication infrastructure, Bahraini telecommunications giant Batelco and e& (Etisalat) have inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate the landing of the Al Khaleej subsea cable system in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This transformative agreement aims to extend the 1,400-kilometer Al Khaleej subsea data cable, exclusively owned by Batelco, connecting Bahrain to Oman, Qatar, and now, the UAE.
Strategic Expansion of Al Khaleej Cable: The Al Khaleej Cable, spanning a length of 1,400 kilometers, will be an extension of the broader SEA-ME-WE 6 cable, which is currently under development to create a comprehensive connectivity link between Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Western Europe. Batelco, a significant investor in the SEA-ME-WE 6 consortium through the Beyon Group, is poised to play a key role in enhancing regional communication capabilities.
Exclusive Ownership and Commitment to Connectivity: Batelco, as the exclusive owner of the Al Khaleej cable system, expresses a commitment to providing unparalleled connectivity. The advanced infrastructure is anticipated to create a digital superhighway, transforming communication dynamics within the region. The direct connection facilitated by the Al Khaleej cable between Bahrain and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries heralds a new era of seamless and efficient data exchange.
Pioneering Subsea Diversification: With approximately 20 subsea cable systems already landing in the UAE, managed primarily by e&, the addition of the Al Khaleej cable represents a groundbreaking milestone in the region’s telecommunications landscape. The collaboration between Batelco and e& is set to diversify routes and enhance international connectivity, positioning the Middle East as a vital hub for data exchange.
Projected Service Commencement: Batelco has outlined that the Al Khaleej cable system is expected to be operational by the second quarter of 2026. This development comes as a strategic initiative to augment international connectivity, address the growing demand for data exchange, and contribute to the evolution of the region’s telecommunications infrastructure.
As Batelco and e& pave the way for the Al Khaleej subsea cable to land in the UAE, the collaboration signifies a commitment to advancing digital connectivity and reinforcing the Middle East’s position in the global telecommunications landscape.
