In a significant step to enhance telecom connectivity in the Middle East, Saudi telecom giant Mobily and Telecom Egypt announced a new partnership aimed at launching a subsea cable that will directly link Saudi Arabia and Egypt. The groundbreaking agreement will see the development of the first-ever subsea cable crossing the Red Sea, connecting the two nations through landing stations in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, and Dubai, Saudi Arabia.
While details on the cable’s capacity and cost remain undisclosed, the new cable is expected to significantly boost telecommunications and data traffic between Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and beyond. Mobily’s chief executive, Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al-Badran, emphasised the strategic importance of the project, noting that it would enhance Saudi Arabia’s role as a major international hub for telecom services and data exchanges.
“Mobily’s new cable will connect Saudi Arabia to Egypt and improve communication flexibility between the Middle East and Europe,” Al-Badran said in a joint statement.
Telecom Egypt’s CEO, Mohamed Nasr, also highlighted the wider regional benefits, pointing out that the new cable would complement the company’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its regional network. Nasr stated, “Complementing the newly established landing station in Sharm El Sheikh, we are developing new crossing routes to connect Sharm El Sheikh to the Mediterranean Sea.”
This strategic move comes as both companies work to meet the growing demand for faster and more reliable communication links between the Middle East and Europe. The new subsea cable is expected to support increased data flows and offer improved connectivity for businesses, governments, and consumers across the region.
Mobily, which has been a key player in the Saudi telecom market since its launch in 2005, is aiming to further solidify its role as a leader in regional telecom infrastructure. The company has already made substantial investments in expanding its network, and this subsea cable is seen as an important next step in connecting Saudi Arabia to international markets.
Telecom Egypt, founded in 1854, is the country’s oldest and largest telecom provider. With a subscriber base of over six million, the company plays a crucial role in Egypt’s telecom sector. The new subsea cable deal marks another milestone in Telecom Egypt’s long-term plans to establish itself as a key regional player in global communications.