Bahrain Boosts Digital Infrastructure with 2Africa Pearl Cable and Data Center
Manama, Monday, 11 November 2024.
stc inaugurates the 2Africa Pearl submarine cable system and a new Data Center Park in Bahrain, investing $300 million to enhance regional connectivity and support the kingdom’s Economic Vision 2030. The projects aim to establish Bahrain as a digital hub, offering 180 terabits per second capacity and scalable computing power.
Strategic Impact on Bahrain’s Economy
The launch of the 2Africa Pearl submarine cable system and Data Center Park by stc represents a major leap forward in Bahrain’s ambitions to become a regional digital powerhouse. The $300 million investment is not merely about expanding technological infrastructure; it is a strategic move aligned with Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030. This vision focuses on economic diversification and strengthening the ICT sector, aiming to position Bahrain as a leader in digital transformation across the Middle East. The advancements facilitated by stc are expected to stimulate job creation and provide training opportunities for Bahrain’s future ICT professionals, thereby strengthening the kingdom’s technology ecosystem[1].
Technological Advancements and Global Connectivity
The 2Africa Pearl submarine cable system is a part of the world’s longest subsea cable networks, extending 45,000 kilometers from Bahrain to Africa and Europe. It boasts a remarkable capacity of 180 terabits per second, which promises to significantly enhance internet connectivity and data exchange capabilities across the region[1]. This enhancement is crucial for sectors such as government, healthcare, hospitality, and entertainment, which increasingly rely on robust digital infrastructure for their operations. Meanwhile, the Data Center Park, under construction on a 55,000 square meter site in the Al Qurain area, is designed to cater to the needs of content providers and global enterprises requiring high computing power[1]. This facility is set to scale up to 60 megawatts of IT load, providing the necessary infrastructure to support Bahrain’s growing digital demands.
Commitment to Sustainability and Innovation
Bahrain’s commitment to a sustainable digital future is underscored by its goal to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2060. The initiatives led by stc, including the submarine cable system and Data Center Park, align with this commitment by integrating renewable energy technologies to power operations. Her Excellency Noor bint Ali Al Khulaif, Minister of Sustainable Development and CEO of the Bahrain Economic Development Board, emphasized that these projects are pivotal in driving Bahrain’s digital future across diverse sectors[1]. The strategic positioning of these technologies not only fosters innovation but also ensures that Bahrain can meet the increasing demands of a digital economy while maintaining environmental responsibility.
Future Prospects and Regional Influence
The inauguration of these infrastructures was attended by key figures, including H.R.H. Prince Mohammed K. A. Al Faisal, stc Group Chairman, highlighting the importance of these projects in the regional landscape. The technological advancements are expected to facilitate international expansion and drive digital transformation across various business sectors, enhancing Bahrain’s role as a digital hub in the Arabian Gulf[1]. As these projects progress, they are set to not only bolster Bahrain’s digital capabilities but also influence the broader technological progress of GCC nations, strengthening the region’s competitiveness on the global stage.