Iraq is set to become a key transit point for international data traffic between Asia and Europe, following a strategic agreement between Ooredoo Group and the Iraqi Telecommunications and Post Company (ITPC). This partnership will bring the Fibre in Gulf (FIG) subsea cable to Iraq, boosting the country’s digital infrastructure.
The FIG subsea cable will offer a high-capacity, low-latency connection, meeting the growing needs of enterprises, hyperscalers, data centers, and telecom operators. Expected to be completed by 2027, the cable will stretch 2,000 kilometers, connecting Iraq with Qatar, Oman, the UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, and feature 24 pairs of optical fiber.
Iraq’s efforts to enhance its digital capabilities are taking a significant step forward with this initiative, positioning the country as a regional data hub. Sheikh Nasser Bin Hamad Bin Nasser Al Thani, Group Regional CEO of Ooredoo, highlighted that the FIG cable would accelerate economic diversification and digital transformation in Iraq, opening new opportunities for industries and businesses.
Iraq’s Minister of Communications, Hayam Al Yasiri, stressed the importance of the project for the country. “Iraq’s strategic location makes it an ideal hub for regional and international data traffic,” he said. “The landing of the FIG cable system marks a major step toward a more connected future.”
With the deployment of the FIG subsea cable, Iraq is poised to play a vital role in global digital connectivity, bridging Asia and Europe while supporting advancements in hyperscalers, AI, Cloud, and IoT. This initiative promises to fuel Iraq’s technological growth and economic development.