AFR-IX and Saudi Arabia’s Salam Forge Strategic Alliance to Boost MENA Digital Infrastructure

Strengthening Global Connectivity Through Strategic Partnership

In a significant development for Middle Eastern and European telecommunications infrastructure, AFR-IX Telecom has entered into a strategic connectivity agreement with Saudi telecommunications provider Etihad Salam. This partnership positions Saudi Arabia as a crucial interconnection point for the ambitious Medusa subsea cable system, enhancing digital connectivity across the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe.

Strengthening Global Connectivity Through Strategic Partnership
Saudi Arabia’s Emerging Role as Digital Hub
Medusa Cable System: Technical Specifications and Route
Strategic Implications for Regional Digital Economy
Etihad Salam’s Infrastructure Capabilities
Future Expansion and Regional Impact

Saudi Arabia’s Emerging Role as Digital Hub

Under the newly formed agreement, Etihad Salam will serve as the primary landing and interconnection hub for the Medusa cable system within Saudi Arabia through Aqaba, Jordan. The Saudi telecom provider will deliver comprehensive terrestrial backhaul services and capacity to integrate Medusa’s network into Saudi Arabia and the broader Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region., according to industry experts

“Our partnership with Medusa underscores Salam’s commitment to positioning Saudi Arabia as a central hub for regional connectivity,” stated Amjad Arab, Chief Wholesale and Alliances Officer at Etihad Salam. “By linking the Medusa cable to our robust infrastructure, we’re creating innovative international routes that expand our worldwide presence and meet the surging needs for digital and cloud services in the Kingdom. Through this partnership, we seek to offer enriched connectivity services, experiences, and bring the world closer, ultimately empowering businesses to scale and innovate in an increasingly digital landscape.”, according to technology insights

Medusa Cable System: Technical Specifications and Route

The Medusa submarine cable system represents one of the most extensive connectivity projects in the Mediterranean region. The cable will originate from the Carcavelos area of Lisbon, Portugal, traversing the Mediterranean Sea to reach Port Said, Egypt, and Aqaba, Jordan. First announced in 2022, the system features 24 fiber pairs and is scheduled to land in multiple locations including Spain, France, the Italian island of Sicily, Greece, and Cyprus., according to recent innovations

The African segment of the cable will connect at multiple points along the continent’s northern coast, including Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya. Recent developments indicate that Medusa has already made its first landing in Marseille, France, with additional landings planned in Bizerte (Tunisia) and Nador (Morocco) between late October and December. The entire system is expected to become operational in early 2026.

Strategic Implications for Regional Digital Economy

Norman Albi, CEO of AFR-IX Telecom and Medusa Africa Submarine Cable System, emphasized the strategic importance of the partnership: “We’re excited to collaborate with Etihad Salam, whose expertise and network complement our objective of providing secure, expansive, and high-performance connectivity from the Mediterranean outward. This partnership elevates reliability and coverage for carriers worldwide, driving forward digital advancement across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.”, according to related news

The collaboration comes at a crucial time when Middle Eastern nations are accelerating their digital transformation initiatives. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 specifically emphasizes developing advanced digital infrastructure as a cornerstone of economic diversification, making this partnership strategically aligned with national development goals.

Etihad Salam’s Infrastructure Capabilities

Etihad Salam, formerly known as Integrated Telecom Company (ITC), brings substantial infrastructure assets to the partnership. Founded in 2005, the company operates an extensive 17,000-kilometer fiber network across Saudi Arabia. The telecom provider maintains multiple data center facilities in key locations including Jeddah, Riyadh, and Khober near Dammam.

The company’s infrastructure portfolio includes cable landing stations in Jeddah and Jubail (outside Dammam), along with a teleport facility in Jeddah. Salam is also participating in Damac’s plans to develop a data center in the new King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) outside Jeddah, further expanding its capacity to support international connectivity requirements., as previous analysis

Future Expansion and Regional Impact

AFR-IX has previously announced plans to extend the Medusa cable to Port-Gentil, Gabon, with additional landing points under consideration in the Democratic Republic of Congo. These expansions would significantly enhance connectivity between Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, creating new digital corridors for economic development.

The partnership between AFR-IX and Etihad Salam represents a major step in addressing the growing demand for high-bandwidth connectivity driven by cloud services, digital transformation, and increasing internet penetration across the MENA region. By leveraging Saudi Arabia’s strategic geographic position and existing infrastructure, the collaboration promises to deliver enhanced reliability, reduced latency, and increased capacity for international data transmission.

For organizations seeking to understand the technical capabilities and network reach of Etihad Salam, additional information about their infrastructure and service offerings is available through their network documentation.