In a major step towards strengthening regional digital infrastructure, Omantel and du have jointly announced the activation of the 275-km OEG submarine cable, known as the Oman Emirates Gateway (OEG) cable. This significant development marks a new era of enhanced connectivity between Oman and the UAE, promising faster, more reliable, and secure data transmission.
The OEG submarine cable project, which connects Barka in Oman to Kalba in the UAE, is designed to meet the surging demand for data and improve overall internet performance across the region. By activating this state-of-the-art cable, both telecom giants are reinforcing their commitment to providing advanced digital services and supporting the growth of the digital economy in the Middle East.
The vision behind the OEG submarine cable
The idea for the OEG submarine cable was born out of a growing need to support the increasing internet traffic between Oman and the UAE. As both countries push forward with ambitious digital transformation agendas, the demand for fast, stable, and secure connectivity has never been higher.
Omantel, known as Oman’s leading integrated telecommunications services provider, partnered with du, one of the UAE’s top telecom operators, to design and deploy a solution that would not only address current data needs but also prepare for future demands.
The OEG submarine cable spans 275 kilometers under the Arabian Gulf, using the latest fiber optic technology to deliver high-capacity connectivity. The cable provides direct, low latency communication between the two countries, significantly improving network efficiency and performance.
Technical advantages of the OEG submarine cable
One of the standout features of the OEG submarine cable is its ability to provide ultra-low latency connections. For businesses, especially those in finance, gaming, and cloud services, latency can be a crucial factor that affects performance and user experience.
The cable is built using advanced optical fiber technologies that allow higher data transfer speeds and greater bandwidth. It also includes multiple layers of security and redundancy, ensuring that connections remain stable and protected even under challenging conditions.
Some of the key technical highlights of the OEG submarine cable include:
- High capacity: Supports massive data throughput, ideal for high-demand applications.
- Low latency: Minimizes delay, providing seamless experiences for real-time applications.
- Reliability: Designed with robust protective measures to prevent service interruptions.
- Scalability: Ready to handle future increases in data traffic without compromising quality.
Strategic importance for Oman and UAE
The OEG submarine cable is more than just an infrastructure project; it is a strategic asset for both Oman and the UAE.
For Oman, the new cable strengthens its position as a regional telecom hub. Omantel has long been investing in international submarine cable systems to connect Oman to major global networks, and the OEG cable further expands this connectivity. Oman’s strategic location at the crossroads of Asia, Africa, and Europe makes it an ideal landing point for international cables.
The UAE, on the other hand, has been focusing on becoming a global technology and innovation hub. The new cable supports this vision by enhancing international connectivity and supporting data-driven sectors such as AI, fintech, and cloud computing.
Supporting economic growth and diversification
Both Oman and the UAE have been working towards economic diversification, moving away from oil dependency and investing in sectors like technology, tourism, logistics, and finance. Reliable digital infrastructure is a critical enabler of these diversification strategies.
The activation of the OEG submarine cable will facilitate faster data exchange, enhance business continuity, and support advanced services such as 5G, IoT, and smart city initiatives.
For startups and small businesses, this means better access to global markets and digital tools, enabling innovation and creating new economic opportunities. Larger enterprises will benefit from improved operational efficiency and the ability to adopt advanced technologies at scale.
Enhancing regional and global competitiveness
In today’s highly connected world, countries compete not just on natural resources or industrial capacity but also on their digital infrastructure. The OEG submarine cable positions Oman and the UAE as leaders in regional connectivity, making them more attractive to international investors and tech companies.
Global companies looking to establish data centers, regional offices, or cloud operations will find the improved infrastructure appealing. Faster and more reliable connectivity can be a decisive factor when choosing where to set up regional headquarters or digital operations.
Environmental considerations and sustainability
While the focus is often on the technical and economic benefits of submarine cables, environmental impact is also a key consideration. The OEG submarine cable was designed and laid out with minimal disruption to marine ecosystems.
Both Omantel and du have emphasized their commitment to environmental responsibility throughout the project, conducting detailed environmental assessments and following international best practices to ensure the cable’s installation was as eco-friendly as possible.
Omantel and du: A partnership built on innovation
The collaboration between Omantel and du reflects a broader trend of regional partnerships focused on building robust digital ecosystems.
Omantel has a strong track record of investing in international connectivity, with a presence in more than 20 submarine cable systems globally. Du, meanwhile, has consistently focused on providing innovative solutions and high-quality services to its customers in the UAE.
Together, they bring complementary strengths to the table, allowing the OEG submarine cable project to be completed efficiently and successfully. The partnership also signals future opportunities for collaborative projects in other areas, such as data centers, cloud infrastructure, and 5G networks.
A milestone for future technologies
The activation of the OEG submarine cable is not just about current needs; it is also a crucial foundation for future technologies. As Oman and the UAE prepare for widespread adoption of AI, machine learning, and next-generation cloud services, high-capacity and low-latency infrastructure will be essential.
For example, autonomous vehicles and smart city applications require real-time data processing and instantaneous communication. The OEG cable will help provide the necessary backbone to support these technologies, making futuristic visions more achievable in the coming years.
Positive impact on consumers
Beyond businesses and government strategies, the OEG submarine cable will bring noticeable benefits to everyday internet users. Faster internet speeds, fewer interruptions, and more reliable connections will improve everything from streaming services to online gaming and video conferencing.
In an era where remote work and digital services have become the norm, this improved connectivity can significantly enhance quality of life and productivity for individuals and families alike.
Future expansion and global connectivity plans
While the OEG submarine cable is a major achievement on its own, it is also part of a broader vision to strengthen Oman and the UAE’s roles as global digital hubs.
Omantel and du have hinted at future collaborations and additional infrastructure investments, including new submarine cables, data centers, and cross-border fiber optic networks. These expansions will further integrate the region into the global digital economy, enabling even greater data exchange with Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Looking ahead
The successful activation of the OEG submarine cable marks a major milestone for the region’s digital future. It showcases the potential of strategic partnerships, technological innovation, and forward-thinking infrastructure planning.
As Oman and the UAE continue to invest in their digital ecosystems, projects like this set the stage for transformative growth and new possibilities. The OEG cable is more than a physical connection between two countries — it is a symbol of shared ambition and progress toward a smarter, more connected future.
Conclusion
The activation of the 275-km OEG submarine cable by Omantel and du is a landmark achievement that demonstrates the power of regional cooperation and innovation. By providing high-capacity, low-latency, and reliable connectivity, the cable supports economic diversification, technological advancement, and improved quality of life for millions.
This project highlights the commitment of both Oman and the UAE to building world-class digital infrastructure that can support the needs of today and tomorrow. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, investments like the OEG submarine cable will play a critical role in shaping the region’s future and connecting it to the world.
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