An Iraqi-Emirati consortium has announced a US$700 million plan to develop a new subsea and terrestrial data cable network, named WorldLink. The project aims to create a high-speed data corridor connecting the United Arab Emirates to Turkey via Iraq, positioning the region as a critical hub for global digital traffic. The consortium includes Iraqi companies Tech 964 and DIL Technologies, alongside UAE-based Breeze Investments.
A New Digital Silk Road
The WorldLink project will feature an undersea cable extending from Fujairah in the UAE to Iraq’s Faw peninsula. From there, the network will continue overland through Iraq to the Turkish border. Ali El Ekabi, head of consortium member Tech 964, stated that the initiative is designed to alleviate network congestion and significantly reduce data transit times compared to traditional routes that pass through the Suez Canal.
The project aligns with Iraq’s broader strategy to establish itself as a key transit corridor, complementing its $17 billion “Development Road” initiative, a major rail and road plan connecting the Faw Grand Port to Turkey.
Strategic Vision and Regional Competition
This announcement comes as competition to dominate the region’s digital infrastructure intensifies. Gulf neighbours Saudi Arabia and the UAE are both vying to attract significant investment into AI infrastructure and data centres.
The WorldLink project follows the recent unveiling of SilkLink, a Saudi-backed fibre-optic network initiative in Syria aimed at creating a data route between Asia and Europe. The parallel development of these major projects underscores a strategic race to capture the growing demand for connectivity and establish regional leadership in the digital economy.
Private Funding and Phased Rollout
According to El Ekabi, the WorldLink project will be entirely privately funded and is slated for a phased rollout over the next five years. This private investment model highlights growing investor confidence in the region’s long-term digital transformation and its potential to serve as a vital link in the global internet backbone.
About WorldLink
WorldLink is a privately-funded infrastructure project established by a consortium of Iraqi and Emirati firms, including Tech 964, DIL Technologies, and Breeze Investments. Its mission is to build and operate a $700 million high-speed data cable network that provides a direct, low-latency route connecting the Gulf to Europe via Iraq and Turkey. The project aims to enhance global connectivity, support the growth of data centres in the region, and offer a resilient alternative to existing data pathways.
Source: Zawya
