The FIG subsea cable will be the largest ever built in the GCC, spanning 2,000 km and connecting all Gulf countries in a high-capacity loop. With 720Tbps of capacity across 24 fibre pairs, it will surpass the combined capacity of all existing and planned Gulf cables.
Ooredoo Group and the Iraqi Telecommunications and Post Company (ITPC) have signed a Landing Party Agreement to land the Fibre in Gulf (FIG) subsea cable in Iraq, positioning the country as a key transit hub for global data traffic between Asia and Europe.
The cable will enable fast data transmission and handle large data volumes, crucial for the growing reliance on advanced technologies, according to Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad bin Nasser Al Thani, Ooredoo Group Regional CEO – Middle East.
“As demand for high-speed, reliable connectivity increases, Iraq is poised to become a strategic hub that drives innovation, investment, and long-term economic growth.”
The FIG subsea cable will be the largest ever built in the GCC, spanning 2,000 km and connecting all Gulf countries in a high-capacity loop. With 720Tbps of capacity across 24 fibre pairs, it will surpass the combined capacity of all existing and planned Gulf cables.
Dr. Hayam Al Yasiri, Iraq’s Minister of Communications, emphasized the national importance of the project.
“This initiative strengthens Iraq’s role as a global data transit point, accelerating advancements in hyperscalers, AI, Cloud, and IoT. It will attract major tech companies, data centres, and telecom operators seeking fast, reliable data flow.”
Najib Khan, Ooredoo Group Chief Business Services Officer, highlighted that the FIG project represents a new era for digital infrastructure in the region.
“By delivering cutting-edge subsea capacity, we ensure that Iraq and the region benefit from superior network reliability, efficiency, and performance, supporting Iraq’s digital transformation and economic progress.”
Scheduled for completion in Q4 2027, the FIG subsea cable will be a catalyst for digital services expansion and technological innovation, fueling economic growth across the region.
