#Bahrain #Manama #stc #2Africa

A New Era of Connectivity in Bahrain

In a landmark achievement for both the Kingdom of Bahrain and the global telecommunications landscape, stc has successfully landed the 2Africa cable system, known as Pearls, which is recognized as the world's longest submarine cable. This groundbreaking development was marked on June 4, 2025, near the Seef District, with significant faces from both government and industry present to witness the momentous occasion.

Investments That Build Futures

The financial commitment for the 2Africa Pearls submarine cable system stands at an impressive USD 205 million, reflecting stc’s dedication to boosting Bahrain's connectivity infrastructure. This monumental project is expected to enhance the Kingdom's position as a critical hub for information and communication technology (ICT) across the region. The arrival of this cable signifies an exponential increase in international connectivity, which is anticipated to also attract foreign investments, stimulate job creation, and foster innovative developments across various sectors.

Government Endorsement

In attendance was H.E. Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications. He expressed pride in Bahrain's advanced telecommunications capabilities, noting that this milestone aligns with the nation's unwavering commitment to enhance its status as a digital leader. The minister further remarked on the importance of efficient public-private partnerships that have made such a groundbreaking achievement possible, exemplified by stc's effective collaboration with governmental entities. The installation of the 2Africa Pearls submarine cable is seen as a significant leap forward in bolstering Bahrain's global connectivity while supporting the ambitions set forth in Bahrain's Economic Vision 2030.

Scaling New Heights

Eng. Khalid Al Osaimi, the CEO of stc Bahrain, shared his excitement about landing the 2Africa Pearls submarine cable in Bahrain. He explained that this new infrastructure would boost the country’s connectivity capacity by a staggering tenfold, ensuring scalability to meet future growth. This substantial upgrade not only enhances Bahrain’s appeal as a communication and digital hub but also directly supports the national goal of creating a robust, knowledge-based economy.

A Technological Marvel

The 2Africa submarine cable spans a remarkable 45,000 kilometers, engineered to deliver a remarkable 180 terabits per second. This cutting-edge cable will drastically reduce latency and be particularly pivotal for supporting data-heavy technologies, including content streaming, cloud services, and online gaming. As the only cable within the GCC region equipped to meet these growing demands, 2Africa Pearls will act as a catalyst for innovation, propelling both established and emerging technologies like 5G, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT).

Benefits for All

With the implementation of the 2Africa Pearls project, businesses within Bahrain will enjoy improved communication capabilities and better access to global markets. Enhanced operational efficiency will result from this elevated connectivity, providing local enterprises with the tools necessary to compete on an international scale. Furthermore, everyday consumers in Bahrain can look forward to more reliable internet services that promise to deliver richer digital experiences.

This transformative development represents not just a step for Bahrain but a leap toward a digitally connected future. As stc continues to innovate, Bahrain is well-poised to take center stage in the global digital economy for years to come.