Two of the biggest telecom companies in the Middle East, du and Omantel, have announced the activation of the Oman Emirates Gateway (OEG), a 275km international fibre optic submarine cable system that will enhance connectivity between the UAE and Sultanate of Oman.
The project connects three strategic international data centers: datamena DX1 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Equinix MC1 in Barka, and Equinix SN1 in Salalah, both in Oman. While du is a UAE-based telecom and digital services provider, Omantel, as the name suggests, is an Oman based provider of integrated telecommunication services.
In a press release, the companies said that OEG aims to provide a seamless express connection, and boost the operational efficiency of existing networks and systems while enhancing speed, expanding connectivity, and elevating customer experiences with advanced commercial offerings.
Karim Benkirane, Chief Commercial Officer of du, said, “The Oman Emirates Gateway is far more than just an optical cable; it is a bridge towards future-proofing the digital infrastructure of the region. This project will be a cornerstone for hyperscalers, content providers, and international carriers, empowering them to enhance their presence in the UAE and Oman, and optimize their operational capability to meet the growing demands of the digital era.”
Samy Al Ghassany, Chief Technology and Digital Officer at Omantel, remarked, “The full activation of the Oman Emirates Gateway marks a pivotal milestone in our journey towards digital transformation in Oman and beyond. We are proud to contribute to the region’s content enrichment and to establish a robust, high-capacity corridor that will empower businesses across Oman and the UAE. This achievement goes beyond mere connectivity; it propels the entire region towards innovation, growth, and global competitiveness.”
The activated system hopes to deliver transformative benefits such as comprehensive resilience through dual routes (terrestrial and subsea), aiming for reliability and optimal network performance. The infrastructure is designed to support emerging technologies, ensuring long-term sustainability and scalability. It will provide faster cloud access, in addition to a direct connection to key data centers, providing global access to facilitate international business growth in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
The activation of OEG is an important development for du and Omantel, and reflects a shared commitment to driving progressive change and attracting hyperscalers and global players to the region, improving the overall quality of connectivity and customer experience.