Zain KSA signs agreement with Emaar, The Economic City for J2M subsea cable landing in King Abdullah Economic City
In conjunction with LEAP 2023
Zain KSA announced that it has signed an agreement with Emaar, The Economic City (EEC)– the master developer of King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) – for landing the J2M subsea cable system, which will connect the Kingdom to Europe and the rest of the world through Pakistan and East Africa Cable System (PEACE). The initiative outlines the Company’s strategic goals, including providing ultra-high-speed internet and enhancing the diversity of its cross-border infrastructure.
The agreement was signed during Zain KSA’s participation in the second global tech event, LEAP2023, hosted in the Kingdom’s capital at the Riyadh Front Expo Centre, from February 6 to 9, 2023 under the slogan “Into New Worlds”. Representing the two parties in signing the agreement were Eng. Saad bin Abdul Rahman Al-Sadhan, Zain KSA Chief Business and Wholesale Officer, Mr. Fawaz Kilfaden, Chief Information And Smart City Officer at Emaar, The Economic City, and in the presence of its CEO Mr. Cyril Piaia.
Commenting on this milestone, Zain KSA CEO Eng. Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al-Deghaither said, “King Abdullah Economic City’s choice to land the subsea cable system (J2M) will boost the Kingdom’s attractiveness to international companies and investments in ultra-modern technologies with a focus on driving nationwide digital transformation, strengthening its connection to the world and cementing its position on the global communications map, thereby supporting the realization of Saudi Vision 2030’s goals.”
He added that the subsea cable system (J2M) will transcend the Kingdom’s borders to the region and beyond, reinforcing Zain KSA’s role as a key enabler in developing a robust ICT sector on a global scale, supported by next-gen technologies, high-end innovations, and advanced infrastructure. “This qualitative investment will scale up Zain’s diversified international infrastructure, fulfilling connectivity requirements with the most reliable and fast communication capabilities.”
Commenting on the signing, Mr. Fahad Al-Saif, Chairman of the Board at Emaar, The Economic City stated: “Our landmark agreement with Zain KSA embodies our city’s capabilities to facilitate technology development and deliver innovative projects within Saudi Arabia. As a vision-ready platform, KAEC’s hosting of the milestone submarine cable will help position the city as a data hub center, parallel to its leading operations in other emerging industries. By helping to create a submarine cable system to serve the region in the world, our agreement with Zain directly contributes to the objective of Vision 2030 to grow and diversify the Kingdom’s economy.”
