Ooredoo lands submarine cable at Waldorf Astoria Maldives, first private 5G island

Ooredoo Maldives on Saturday announced the successful landing of the Submarine Cable Landing at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, marking a historic milestone in the nation’s telecommunications journey. This is the first-ever submarine cable landing at a Maldivian resort, enhancing connectivity and strengthening the Maldives’ digital infrastructure.

The Submarine Cable will run through Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, Maafushi, and ultimately connect to Ooredoo Maldives’ state-of-the-art Data Center in Hulhumalé, ensuring world-class connectivity with greater capacity, resilience, and speed.

The landing ceremony was held Saturday at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi and attended by Honourable Minister of Tourism and Environment, Mr. Thoriq Ibrahim, Ooredoo Maldives’ Chief Executive Officer, Khalid Al-Hamadi, and General Manager of Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi TJ Joulak, along with Chief Executive of Communication Authority of Maldives Ilyas Ibrahim, Maafushi City Council President Hassan Solah, senior officials from Ooredoo and Waldorf and distinguished guests.

Speaking at the event, Khalid Al-Hamadi, CEO & Managing Director of Ooredoo Maldives, said: “For the past 20 years, Ooredoo Maldives has been the pacemaker of the nation’s telecom industry, bringing world-class technology to our shores, creating new opportunities for growth, and becoming an integral part of Maldivian life and culture. This cable landing at the nation’s first private 5G-enabled island resort is a vital milestone in our journey to build a truly Digital Maldives, bridging the digital divide and empowering our communities with future-ready connectivity. As the first resort in the Maldives equipped with dual redundancy, a dedicated submarine cable, private 5G, and a state-of-the-art tree tower, this achievement sets a new benchmark for innovation in the hospitality sector. With AI-enabled capabilities and private 5G infrastructure, the resort is now ready to deliver unparalleled, next-generation digital experiences for its guests.”

Minister of Tourism and Environment, Thoriq Ibrahim, highlighted the importance of the project: “Since their start in 2005, Ooredoo Maldives has made remarkable strides to ensure no one is left behind in the digital journey. With every advancement, they’ve focused on accessibility and inclusion. This submarine cable landing marks yet another proud milestone—particularly historic as the first of its kind at a tourist resort—bringing us closer to a fully connected, future-ready Maldives.”

TJ Joulak, General Manager of Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, said: “We are pleased to have hosted this milestone event at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi. As a destination that embodies elevated luxury and personalized service, we recognize the importance of seamless connectivity in supporting the evolving needs of today’s global travelers.”

As Ooredoo Maldives celebrates 20 years of enriching lives in the Maldives, this landmark project underscores the company’s commitment to its Digital Maldives vision. One where world-class technology seamlessly integrates with Maldivian culture to empower communities, drive economic transformation, and bridge the digital divide across the nation.