Iraqi-UAE Consortium Launches $700M WorldLink Cable to Transform Middle East Connectivity
An Iraqi-Emirati consortium has unveiled plans for a $700 million subsea-and-terrestrial data cable project, designed to link the United Arab Emirates to Turkey via Iraq. This initiative which was branded by WordLink is structured to transform regional connectivity and position Iraq as a crucial hub in the Middle East’s digital infrastructure.
The initiative, branded “WorldLink,” is being led by Iraq’s Tech 964, UAE-based Breeze Investments, and DIL Technologies, an Iraqi-Kurdish technology firm. This innovation is positioned at a time when data traffic is increasing rapidly due to cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) applications, as a project that seeks to reduce network congestion, minimize data transit times, and ensure reliable connectivity between Asia and Europe.
The consortium’s chairman, Ali El Ekabi, has stated that the project is privately funded and planned to be rolled out in phases over the next four to five years, targeting “hyperscalers, international carriers and AI applications” as key users.
This project will include a route via Iraq into Turkey and an underwater cable from Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates to the Faw Peninsula in Iraq. It is expected to yield a dual structure that will ensure faster and more reliable data transmission, meeting the region's increasing need for cloud services and high-speed internet.
The announcement comes just days after Saudi Arabia revealed a fiber-optic project in Syria, highlighting a regional race among Gulf states to attract investment into data centers and digital infrastructure. The WorldLink project has an opportunity to greatly increase Iraq's commitment to the global data economy and solidify the UAE's status as a leader in connectivity.
The project will help advanced manufacturing methods like blockchain, fintech, and artificial intelligence (AI), all of which rely significantly on strong data infrastructure, in addition to boosting internet speeds. The $700 million investment is viewed as a vital step to ensure the region's digital future, given the recent increase in demand for digital services worldwide.