ZOI, PCCW Global, Sparkle and Telecom Egypt to construct Asia-Africa-Europe subsea cable system
KUWAIT: In a landmark move to advance global connectivity, a consortium of four powerful subsea cable operators, namely Zain Omantel International (ZOI), PCCW Global, Sparkle and Telecom Egypt have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the construction of the Asia-Africa-Europe-2 (AAE-2) subsea cable system. The project aims to establish a robust next-generation subsea digital link connecting Hong Kong and Singapore to Italy traversing secure and high-capacity terrestrial corridors across Thailand, the Arabian Peninsula, and Egypt.
It is planned to strategically deliver unprecedented capacity and foster seamless, reliable connectivity across the three continents. AAE-2 will also feature strategic extensions to additional key destinations across its route, further enhancing intercontinental connectivity and supporting the growing demands of cloud services, content delivery, and digital transformation initiatives across the regions.
This ambitious initiative is designed to revolutionize global connectivity by delivering a geographical diverse, resilient, and high-performance route for international traffic. By integrating both subsea and terrestrial infrastructure, AAE-2 will create a future-proof data highway between Asia, Africa and Europe. Building on the legacy of the AAE-1 cable, AAE-2 will incorporate the most advanced technological innovations offering unprecedented bandwidth capacity to serve the tremendous traffic needs and empowering communities and businesses across Asia, Africa and Europe.
The project is spearheaded by industry leaders ZOI, PCCW Global, Sparkle, and Telecom Egypt, combining expertise and resources to deliver a world-class infrastructure. This groundbreaking project marks a vital step in addressing the increasing demand for robust internet infrastructure, facilitating faster data transfer and improved connectivity across multiple regions. The consortium is dedicated to ensuring the successful delivery of this transformative infrastructure project, which will play a crucial role in shaping the future of global connectivity.
Sohail Qadir, Chief Executive Officer of ZOI, commented: "This collaboration marks a defining milestone for ZOI and the region we proudly serve. As the international gateway for the Middle East, we are uniquely positioned at the crossroads of Asia, Africa and Europe, making us a strategic enabler of next-generation connectivity.
AAE-2 reflects our long-term vision to connect continents and digital ecosystems through resilient and state-of-the-art infrastructure. Our cooperation brings together advanced infrastructure, diverse terrestrial routes and AI-ready capacity. AAE-2 will strengthen global traffic flows, empower emerging markets and unlock new avenues for economic growth across the region and beyond.'
Frederick Chui, Chief Executive Officer of PCCW Global, commented:'PCCW Global is proud to contribute to the AAE-2 initiative, building on our legacy of supporting vital global infrastructure. Following our instrumental role in the success of the AAE-1 system, we are pleased to bring our expertise to AAE-2, an advanced, high-capacity and geographically diverse subsea cable system connecting Asia and Europe.
This next-generation network underscores our continued commitment to delivering resilient, secure and scalable connectivity for key markets such as Hong Kong, empowering the digital growth of tomorrow.' Enrico Bagnasco, Chief Executive Officer of Sparkle, commented: 'The AAE-2 cable system is an innovative project perfectly in line with Sparkle's long-term strategy to strengthen the Asia-Africa-Europe corridor by enhancing route diversity and ensuring the highest levels of network resilience.
In recent years, we have invested in new submarine systems and established advanced landing hubs along this strategic route, reinforcing our commitment to reliable global connectivity. Among the key initiatives, the Blue & Raman submarine cable systems- linking Italy to India through an innovative path - together with the strengthening of the Sicily Hub in Palermo and the hub in Chania as well as the creation of a brand new scalable landing platform in Genoa.
With AAE-2, we are taking a further step forward, contributing to the creation of a distinctive infrastructure that combines terrestrial and subsea solutions to deliver secure, high-capacity, and low-latency connectivity in support of the digital transformation of businesses and communities worldwide" Mohamed Nasr, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Telecom Egypt, commented:"Over the years, we have made major investments and established partnerships to develop our cutting-edge subsea cable infrastructure, that we are witnessing today.
The construction of AAE-2 cable system is a continuation of our success stories as a global data connectivity provider and is another testament to our commitment to driving digital connections through major collaborations. AAE-2 will also benefit from accessing and cross-connecting with the other subsea cables using our WeConnect ecosystem. We are thrilled to be embarking with PCCW Global, Sparkle and ZOI on this transformative project that will reshape the future of digital infrastructure."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Kuwait Times
19 hours ago
- Kuwait Times
Nazaha combating corruption through legislative reform
Nazaha combating corruption through legislative reform By Dhari Buyabes Combating corruption - a hidden and complex crime - requires strong institutions. Since the adoption of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), countries have been keen to establish specialized anti-corruption authorities per article 6 of the UNCAC. Kuwait responded to this international obligation by issuing Law No. 2 of 2016 on the establishment of the Kuwait Anti-Corruption Authority and the Special Provisions on Financial Disclosure. This authority, also known as Nazaha, is mandated to monitor the wealth of state officials through financial disclosures, investigate corruption crimes, protect whistleblowers and promote a culture of integrity within society. However, corruption continues to evolve through increasingly complex mechanisms, requiring anti-corruption authorities to remain one step ahead. In response to practical challenges observed during the law's implementation, decree-law no. 69 of 2025 was issued on May 25, 2025 to amend several provisions of Nazaha's establishment-law. This reform reflects Kuwait's commitment to meeting international standards and enhancing the effectiveness of its anti-corruption framework. The decree introduced several reforms to the financial disclosure system. It broadened the categories of public officials subject to disclosure requirements. In addition to high-level executive, judicial and administrative positions, the amended law now encompasses chairpersons, board members and executive directors of charitable and civil societies. It also covers members of the legal administration in the Public Institution for Social Security (PIFSS), the Capital Markets Authority (CMA), the Insurance Regulatory Unit (IRU) and the Competition Protection Authority (CPA). Furthermore, the decree extended the scope to include directors, inspectors, technical staff, legal affairs personnel and individuals vested with judicial enforcement authority within the General Administration of Customs. Notably, the amended law introduces a settlement mechanism for cases of failure to submit financial disclosure forms within the legally prescribed timeframes. Individuals who submit their overdue forms within a 90-day grace period may resolve the matter with Nazaha by paying an amount of KD 100 as settlement. The reform further authorizes the submission of financial disclosure forms and supporting documents electronically, using certified digital signatures. It also allows for notifications related to Nazaha to be served electronically. Another key development is the strengthening of Nazaha's investigative role. Nazaha is now empowered to appeal decisions by investigative authorities to archive corruption reports filed by Nazaha. In addition, Nazaha's board may, by majority vote, dismiss filed corruption reports that fail to meet submission criteria. These changes enhance Nazaha's role in determining the seriousness of cases and ensuring proper follow-up. The revised law further empowers the president of Nazaha to designate employees authorized to detect, investigate and document corruption offenses. These individuals are permitted to conduct preliminary inquiries, collect testimonies, gather evidence and prepare formal reports for submission to competent investigative bodies. This further supports Nazaha with the operational capacity needed to address corruption more effectively. In conclusion, the 2025 amendments to Nazaha's establishment-law represent an important step to combat corruption. By broadening oversight, digitizing procedures and enhancing investigative powers, Kuwait affirms its dedication to promoting transparency, accountability and integrity in alignment with international standards. NOTE: Dhari Buyabes is the Head of International Organizations and Conferences in the International Cooperation Department at Nazaha
Kuwait Times
5 days ago
- Kuwait Times
Burgan Bank renews ISO/IEC 20000-1:2018 certification
KUWAIT: In a testament to the success of the Bank's ongoing digital transformation, Burgan Bank announced the successful renewal of its International Organization for Standardization and International Electrotechnical Commission ISO/IEC 20000-1:2018 certification, reaffirming the strength of its digital infrastructure and its alignment with global best practices for information technology system management. The recertification followed a rigorous external audit, which validated the efficiency, scalability, and continuous improvement of Burgan Bank's IT operations, underscoring its commitment to delivering a consistently high-quality digital banking experience. Commenting on the achievement, Barrak Al-Mattar, General Manager-Information Technology at Burgan Bank said: 'One of our main strategic goals is to lead with innovation and deliver an outstanding banking experience that is seamless, secure, and responsive to our customers' evolving needs. This requires that we remain agile and dynamic, constantly upgrading our IT capabilities to deliver a world-class experience. The renewal of our ISO/IEC 20000-1:2018 certification is a clear indicator of the operational excellence we've built into our digital infrastructure — one that supports both customer satisfaction and long-term business growth. He added: 'Inline with the bank slogan 'Driven by You', every system upgrade and service enhancement is designed with our customers at the center –to safeguard their data, earn their trust, and empower their ambitions.' The ISO/IEC 20000-1:2018 certification adds to Burgan Bank's growing list of global certifications, including ISO/IEC 27001: 2022 Information Security Management Systems certificate (ISMS), ISO /IEC 27701:2019 Privacy Information Management Systems (PIMS), ISO 22301:2019 Business Continuity Management (BCMS)and ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System (QMS). Burgan Bank remains one of the few financial institutions in Kuwait and the GCC to maintain these certifications for five consecutive cycles — a testament to its disciplined governance and operational rigor. Moreover, the Bank achieved the LEED v4.1 O+M: EB Gold Certification in recognition for the green building design and architecture standards applied at its Head Office in Kuwait City, further attesting to its compliance with the highest environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards.
Arab Times
7 days ago
- Arab Times
New reforms: Kuwait tightens public fund protection and streamlines legal processes
KUWAIT CITY, Aug 13: The Kuwaiti Cabinet, during its weekly meeting on Tuesday, approved several significant legislative reforms and updates to development projects aimed at boosting the nation's infrastructure and economy. The meeting, held at Bayan Palace under the leadership of Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Saud Al-Sabah, covered a range of critical issues, including the protection of public funds, digital transformation, and large-scale housing and energy initiatives. Revised law for protecting public funds One of the major decisions taken was the approval of a draft decree-law amending Law No. 1/1993, aimed at strengthening the protection of public funds. The revised law aims to address gaps revealed through the practical application of existing regulations. Key changes include expanding the scope of criminalization, enhancing procedural protections, and updating legal formulations. The amendments introduce stricter measures, including tightening rules for job exploitation, increasing penalties for fraud and corruption, and criminalizing intentional damage to public funds. Additionally, the law increases penalties for submitting false information and allows the Public Prosecution to demand the return of misappropriated funds even if a criminal case has been dismissed. Streamlining legal procedures with digital transformation In a bid to expedite legal processes and embrace digital advancements, the Cabinet also approved a draft decree-law to amend Law No. 38/1980, governing civil and commercial procedures. The amendments aim to streamline litigation by implementing full electronic procedures, allowing remote hearings, and tightening controls on judicial recusal. Notably, the reforms propose an increased guarantee and fine system for recusal requests, ensuring a more efficient and modernized legal framework. Strategic development projects: Housing, energy, and AI innovations The Cabinet was briefed on several high-profile development initiatives, including the Al-Sabriya City housing project in northern Kuwait. Minister of State for Municipal Affairs Abdullatif Al-Meshari shared details about the 80-km² project, which will provide 55,000 housing units, along with service, commercial, recreational areas, and public facilities. This development is set to be one of the largest housing and urban projects in the region. Minister of Oil Tareq Al-Roumi also presented updates on the Kuwait Oil Company's newly launched Artificial Intelligence Innovation Center. This initiative is part of the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation's broader digital transformation strategy in the energy sector, aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and fostering innovation. Furthermore, Minister of Finance and Acting Minister of State for Economic and Investment Affairs Dr. Sabeeh Al-Mukhaizeem briefed the Cabinet on the signing of the second and third phases of the Al-Zour North Power Plant Project. This partnership with ACWA Power and the Gulf Investment Corporation will establish a state-of-the-art power generation and water desalination plant. Public sector updates and national holiday announcement The Cabinet also decided to suspend work in all ministries, government agencies, public institutions, and bodies on Thursday, September 4, 2025, to mark the Prophet's Birthday holiday. Regular work will resume on Sunday, September 7, 2025, with exceptions for agencies that operate under special conditions, whose holidays will be determined by their respective authorities. Bilateral relations and international cooperation Additionally, the Cabinet reviewed and approved several agreements and memoranda of understanding with other nations, aimed at strengthening Kuwait's diplomatic and economic ties. These agreements were submitted for approval to His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. In conclusion, the Cabinet reaffirmed its commitment to accelerating the implementation of vital development projects and legislative reforms, underscoring the importance of timely and effective action to support Kuwait's continued growth and modernization.
