In a significant move to enhance regional connectivity, Mobily, a leading technology, media, and telecommunications firm in Saudi Arabia, has partnered with Telecom Egypt to construct the first Saudi-owned undersea cable linking Saudi Arabia and Egypt. This new cable will span the Red Sea, providing a critical connection between the two nations and offering expanded access to Europe and other global networks through multiple connectivity pathways.
The subsea cable, fully owned by Mobily, will establish key landing points at Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt and Duba in Saudi Arabia, connecting the Arabian Gulf with Egypt and providing additional links to other global subsea systems. This infrastructure will play a vital role in improving communication capacity, handling rising telecom traffic, and supporting growing internet demand both locally and internationally.
Strengthening International Connectivity
The new cable is designed to strengthen Mobily’s robust network of subsea cable systems, expanding its international infrastructure to meet increasing demand for high-speed, reliable connectivity. In a statement, Telecom Egypt emphasised that “this cable will enable Mobily to connect the Arabian Gulf and Saudi Arabia’s neighbouring countries to the Egyptian landing station in the Red Sea through Mobily’s digital corridors.” The cable will also link with other subsea systems landing in Egypt, broadening its connectivity footprint.
By connecting directly to Egypt’s cable landing station on the Red Sea, Mobily’s new cable offers enhanced flexibility and scalability, giving the Saudi telecommunications provider a strategic advantage in supporting high-bandwidth applications and facilitating smoother data flow between the Middle East, Europe, and beyond.
Expanding Regional and International Infrastructure
Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al-Badran, CEO of Mobily, underscored the strategic importance of the agreement, stating, “The signing of the agreement underscores our commitment to expanding our infrastructure and enhancing our capabilities both regionally and internationally.” He highlighted that the new cable will strengthen communication flexibility and support Mobily’s ongoing goal of expanding its digital infrastructure across the region.
For Telecom Egypt, this collaboration represents a major advancement in its partnership with Mobily and an opportunity to strengthen its role as a key connectivity provider in the region. Mohamed Nasr, Managing Director and CEO of Telecom Egypt, noted, “We are confident that this commercial agreement will be a valuable addition to our ongoing efforts to support this critical sector and cater to the rising demand for capacity and connectivity.”
A Strategic Move to Meet Rising Connectivity Demands
As the demand for digital infrastructure intensifies across the Middle East, Mobily and Telecom Egypt’s joint initiative positions them as essential players in addressing the region’s connectivity needs. By constructing a dedicated Saudi-Egypt subsea cable, Mobily is taking a significant step in establishing itself as a regional connectivity hub, while Telecom Egypt expands its role in supporting international digital infrastructure.
This new cable aligns with Mobily’s broader strategy to strengthen its telecommunications capabilities and improve its network infrastructure, following a series of previous investments in subsea cables that have bolstered its connections to global networks. This project is expected to enhance both companies’ capacity to support rapid technological advancement and increased demand for data-driven services across the Middle East, Europe, and other interconnected markets.
As digital transformation accelerates across industries, the new Saudi-Egypt cable will serve as a cornerstone in Mobily and Telecom Egypt’s shared vision for a more connected future, establishing a reliable and flexible network link between two critical Middle Eastern hubs and connecting the region to global markets.
