Ooredoo and ITPC Collaborate to Introduce FIG Subsea Cable in Iraq

Ooredoo Group and the Iraqi Telecommunications and Post Company (ITPC) have signed a Landing Party Agreement to bring the Fibre in Gulf (FIG) subsea cable to Iraq. This strategic partnership aims to position Iraq as a vital transit hub for global data traffic, linking Asia and Europe.

The new cable will provide rapid data transmission and handle large data volumes, meeting the increasing demand for advanced technology services. Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad bin Nasser Al Thani, Regional CEO of Ooredoo Group for the Middle East, emphasized the significance of this initiative: “As the need for high-speed, reliable connectivity grows, Iraq is set to become a key hub, driving innovation, attracting investment, and fostering long-term economic growth.”

Spanning 2,000 km and connecting all Gulf countries in a high-capacity loop, the FIG subsea cable will be the largest of its kind ever built in the GCC. With a capacity of 720Tbps across 24 fibre pairs, it will far exceed the combined capacity of all existing and planned cables in the Gulf region.

Iraq’s Minister of Communications, Dr. Hayam Al Yasiri, highlighted the national importance of the project: “This initiative enhances Iraq’s role as a key global data transit point, driving advancements in technologies like hyperscalers, AI, Cloud, and IoT. It will attract major tech firms, data centers, and telecom operators seeking fast, reliable data services.”

Najib Khan, Ooredoo Group’s Chief Business Services Officer, also shared his enthusiasm for the project: “The FIG subsea cable represents a new era for regional digital infrastructure. By providing cutting-edge subsea capacity, we ensure Iraq benefits from enhanced network reliability, efficiency, and performance, all while supporting the country's digital transformation and economic development.”

Scheduled for completion in Q4 2027, the FIG subsea cable is expected to accelerate the expansion of digital services and technological innovation, providing a significant boost to economic growth across the region.