Du signs deal to connect UAE to PEACE cable

UAE-based telco du said on Monday it has signed a partnership deal with PEACE Cable International Network Co Limited to extend the PEACE subsea cable system into the UAE and Gulf region.

The open-access PEACE cable – which went live at the end of August 2024 – spans 21,500 km between Singapore and France, with landing points in Pakistan, Kenya, Somalia, Tunisia, Maldives, Seychelles, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Malta and Cyprus. The system sports 16 Tbps per fibre pair with a maximum design capacity of 192 Tbps.

While the main cable itself is privately owned by PEACE – a subsidiary of China-based Hengtong Group – the branching units are owned by telco partners. For example, Zain owns the branch connecting Jeddah and Marseille, while Ooredoo Tunisia owns the Tunisian branch, Cyta owns the branch to Cyprus, and GO owns the branch to Malta.

Similarly, du will construct a new branch, the PEACE Gulf Extension, which will extend the system’s reach to the UAE.

Karim Benkirane, chief commercial officer at du, said the partnership deal with PEACE will boost the telco’s capabilities to provide better network performance and managed services across the region, and enhance digital transformation and connectivity for its wholesale and enterprise customers.

“This collaboration will bring about significant economic and digital advancements, ensuring our customers enjoy unparalleled reliability and value,” he said in a statement.

The PEACE Gulf Extension branch is projected to be ready for service by the second half of 2026.

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