Ooredoo Maldives has successfully completed the country’s first submarine cable landing at a resort, reaching a major milestone in national telecommunications infrastructure.

The cable was landed at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, designating it as the Maldives' first private 5G-ready island resort on 2 August 2025. The project was inaugurated during a ceremony officiated by Minister of Tourism and Environment Thoriq Ibrahim, Ooredoo Maldives CEO Khalid Al-Hamadi, Communication Authority of Maldives CEO Ilyas Ibrahim, and resort General Manager TJ Joulak. 

The submarine cable runs from Hulhumalé to Maafushi and Waldorf Astoria, and is connected to Ooredoo’s high-capacity data centre in Hulhumalé. The infrastructure is expected to deliver enhanced bandwidth, greater service reliability, and significantly improved internet speeds.

Minister Thoriq Ibrahim noted that the project reflects Ooredoo's commitment to inclusive digital growth since its entry into the Maldivian market in 2005. He added that each technological milestone achieved by the company has aimed to support nationwide accessibility and innovation.

The development aligns with Ooredoo’s long-term goal to build a digitally inclusive and future-ready Maldives. According to CEO Khalid Al-Hamadi, the new connection will help bridge the digital divide by expanding access to high-speed networks and enabling the delivery of next-generation services. The resort now features dual-redundant infrastructure, AI-powered systems, and a dedicated smart tower, setting a new benchmark in digital innovation for the hospitality sector.

General Manager TJ Joulak highlighted the importance of robust connectivity in meeting the demands of global travellers, especially in luxury tourism. He noted that the resort is now positioned to offer seamless digital services that cater to evolving guest expectations.

As Ooredoo Maldives celebrates 20 years of operations, this latest initiative underscores its role in accelerating digital transformation and economic development in the Maldives.