stc lands 2Africa cable in Bahrain, boosting ICT growth
The global telecommunications landscape has taken a significant step forward with the successful landing of the 2Africa Pearls submarine cable system in Bahrain. Telecommunications operator stc has confirmed the completion of the cable’s live landing next to Seef District on 4 June 2025, marking Bahrain’s first direct connection to the world’s longest undersea cable network.
The 2Africa Pearls system, spanning 45,000 kilometres and designed to handle a capacity of up to 180 terabits per second, is poised to transform Bahrain’s role in global data traffic.
The project, which includes a US$205m investment, enhances Bahrain’s status as a growing ICT hub in the Gulf and supports the Kingdom’s ambitions for accelerated digital transformation under Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030.
A strategic leap for regional telecommunications
In attendance at the cable landing was HE Dr Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications and Eng: Khalid Al Osaimi, CEO of stc Bahrain.
The cable was connected to local infrastructure in record time, reinforcing the speed and efficiency of Bahrain’s expanding digital capabilities.
H.E. Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa remarked on the significance of the project, stating:
“This achievement reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to strengthening its position as a regional and global digital hub.
"The 2Africa Pearls landing represents a qualitative leap that will enhance Bahrain’s global connectivity, support its digital economy and open new horizons for innovation and investment.”
10x increase in connectivity capacity
The 2Africa Pearls cable aims to multiply Bahrain’s existing international connectivity capacity by ten times, with scalability to meet future data demands. According to stc Bahrain’s CEO, it aligns directly with national ICT goals:
“We are thrilled to land the 2Africa Pearls submarine cable in Bahrain.
"This will increase Bahrain’s current connectivity capacity by 10x, further scalable to accommodate future growth,” said Eng. Khalid Al Osaimi. “It aligns with our commitment to advancing Bahrain’s position as a leading communications and digital hub for the region.”
Powering future technologies and business growth
Built with next-generation specifications, the 2Africa Pearls system is the only cable in the GCC capable of handling the demands of high-bandwidth services, including streaming, cloud computing and online gaming.
It offers extremely low latency and vast capacity, making it ideal for powering future technologies, including 5G, AI and the IoT.
For telecommunications providers and enterprise customers, the system provides a robust platform for developing innovative services, enhancing operational performance and delivering a superior user experience.
It lays the groundwork for better global reach, making international business communications more efficient and reliable.
Enabling economic diversification
By facilitating increased investment, job creation and cross-border collaboration, the cable supports Bahrain’s broader economic diversification agenda.
Enhanced digital infrastructure plays a critical role in building a knowledge-based economy, one that fosters innovation across industries from fintech to advanced manufacturing.
stc Bahrain’s successful deployment of the 2Africa Pearls cable exemplifies the growing importance of private-public collaboration in achieving national digital objectives.
As the telecommunications sector continues to drive economic transformation, investments in high-capacity infrastructure remain essential for sustained growth.
The landing of the 2Africa Pearls submarine cable system positions Bahrain at the centre of regional digital connectivity. With increased capacity, reduced latency and global reach, the project sets a new standard for telecommunications in the Gulf and beyond.
For network operators, telcos and enterprise users alike, the new infrastructure unlocks opportunities for innovation, growth and competitive advantage in a rapidly evolving digital economy.
