Ooredoo ready to transform Maldives into a digital hub: CEO

Ooredoo Maldives CEO and Managing Director Khalid Al Hamadi has said the company is ready to help transform the Maldives into a digital hub as Google prepares to establish a new international submarine cable landing station in the country.

Google, working in partnership with Dhiraagu and Ooredoo, plans to build the landing station and network facility in Hithadhoo, Addu City.

The new cable system, named “Dhivaru”, will connect the Maldives with Christmas Island and Oman as part of the tech giant’s broader Australia Connect initiative to expand digital connectivity across the Indian Ocean.

Al Hamadi said Ooredoo is proud to take part in the “historic and major project” with Google, describing Dhivaru as a turning point for strengthening the Maldives’ digital infrastructure and accelerating nationwide digital transformation.

“As one of the leading providers of digital services in the country, we are striving to enhance connectivity and maximize digital services across the Maldives. This submarine cable station will be a major boost to those efforts,” he said.

The Ooredoo CEO said the system will open up new opportunities for businesses and tourism, and position the Maldives to benefit from increased global digital traffic.

He added that Ooredoo is committed to helping build a “digital Maldives” and said that the project is a major step forward for the country's technological advancement.

Google is already a partner of Ooredoo, with the two companies collaborating on multiple digital products in the Maldives.

The government has welcomed the investment, saying the new submarine cable will bring significant economic benefits and pledged full cooperation in supporting the project.