Google is investing in the establishment of a new international submarine cable landing station and network facility, ‘Dhivaru’, in Hithadhoo, Addu City.

This Trans-Indian Ocean subsea cable, according to Google, will connect the Maldives, Christmas Island and Oman. Named the Dhivaru cable, it will expand the reach, reliability and resilience of digital connectivity across the Indian Ocean and strengthen links with the Australia Connect initiative.

The Government has welcomed the announcement, noting that the investment follows President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s discussions with Google executives in New York in September 2024.

In a message on X following the announcement, President Dr Muizzu said Google’s decision reflects strong global confidence in the Maldives’ stable and investor-friendly environment. He added that the project supports his vision of positioning the Maldives as a regional digital hub and strengthening the country’s role in global digital infrastructure.

The new landing station will support multiple international submarine cable systems and strengthen the Maldives’ digital connectivity across the Indian Ocean. With existing international connectivity points in Kulhudhuffushi and Greater Malé, the Hithadhoo station will complete a north-centre-south digital network, enhancing national resilience.

The Government also stated that Google will work with Dhiraagu and Ooredoo Maldives as local technical partners.