Qatar Expands Digital Infrastructure with Transcontinental Fiber Cable Project
The initiative highlights growing interest in establishing reliable land routes for data traffic, especially through countries such as Iraq and Syria, which are increasingly considered safe for investment and international data transit.
Ooredoo, the Qatar-based telecommunications company, is set to invest $500 million (€430 million) in a new terrestrial fiber optic network connecting the Arabian Peninsula to Europe. The planned route will start in Oman, pass through Iraq and Turkey, and end in France, forming a major land-based data corridor. Discussions are also ongoing in Syria and Saudi Arabia for similar projects to link the Arabian Peninsula with Europe.
The initiative highlights growing interest in establishing reliable land routes for data traffic, especially through countries such as Iraq and Syria, which are increasingly considered safe for investment and international data transit. Analysts note that these projects are expected to integrate the region more closely into global digital infrastructure, supporting local economies and digital growth.
Ooredoo aims to enhance network resilience and create alternative routes that bypass risk-prone maritime zones like the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz. These regions have historically posed challenges due to geopolitical tensions and security threats. The Red Sea, in particular, is a critical data corridor, with 15 undersea cables carrying 80% of Asia-Europe traffic. Past incidents, including cable damages and Houthi attacks, have caused significant disruptions in regional and international internet connectivity.
Qatar is also advancing its telecommunications sector by merging Qatar National Broadband Network (QNBN) with Gulf Bridge International (GBI). The integration combines QNBN’s fiber optic expertise with GBI’s terrestrial and undersea cable experience, aiming to create a carrier-neutral digital and AI infrastructure hub. This move strengthens Qatar’s position as a regional gateway for international data traffic and attracts innovative AI companies from Europe and Asia.
The broader goal of these projects is to support Qatar’s transition toward a knowledge-driven economy. By leveraging the region’s abundant solar energy, these data centers and digital infrastructure projects are designed to be energy-efficient and sustainable. The combination of robust fiber networks, data centers, and innovation hubs positions Qatar to expand its digital economy and secure a strategic role in global connectivity.
