The FIG cable project, launched last month, plans to link seven countries across the Middle East, including Iraq, with an expected total capacity of up to 720 Tbps.
Hiyam Al-Yasiri, the Iraqi Minister of Communications, told the Iraqi News Agency that the project would provide a major boost to the country’s internet connectivity.
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“These projects contribute to maximising state revenues, in addition to achieving security and economic stability by attracting major international companies and countries wishing to use Iraq as a major hub for their communications.”
The FIG cable, unveiled during Capacity Middle East 2025, is expected to be completed by 2027.
A 2,000-kilometre cable containing 24 pairs of optical fibre is set to connect Iraq with Qatar, Oman, the UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, providing low-latency services for hyperscalers, businesses, data centres, and telecom operators.
Minister Al-Yasiri said the FIG will become the fourth subsea cable landed in Iraq, with additional contracts planned beyond the one signed with Qatari Ooredoo Group to “strengthen Iraq's position as a strategic regional corridor”.
Nasser bin Hamad Nasser Al Thani, CEO of Qatari Ooredoo Group, said: “This agreement reflects the company's commitment to developing its services and its great confidence in the Iraqi market.
“Ooredoo Group has long-term investments in Iraq, both in the telecommunications sector and submarine cables, with future plans for new projects.”
