Doha — October 22, 2025:
Qatar-based Gulf Bridge International (GBI) has chosen Nokia to build a new high-capacity terrestrial optical network that will strengthen digital connectivity between Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. The network will also support subsea backhaul operations, expanding GBI’s infrastructure footprint and ensuring faster, more resilient access to digital services across the region.
Under the agreement, GBI will deploy Nokia’s 1830 Global Express (GX) optical platform, which delivers 100G to 400G services for cloud providers, enterprises, and carriers. The new low-latency terrestrial route through Iraq will complement existing subsea networks, offering a diverse and scalable alternative pathway for international data traffic.
Once fully operational, the system will enable GBI to provide over 50 terabits of capacity, reinforcing the company’s role as a regional leader in cloud connectivity and digital enablement.
Roque Lozano, Senior Vice President, Network Infrastructure, Middle East and Africa, Nokia, said:
“This partnership with GBI will shape the region’s next phase of digital growth. Nokia’s 1830 GX platform gives GBI the speed, scale, and resilience needed to meet rising data demand while promoting more sustainable connectivity across the region.”
The new infrastructure reflects GBI’s commitment to building redundant, secure, and sustainable digital routes—an essential step in supporting the Middle East’s rapidly expanding data economy. By introducing terrestrial links that bypass traditional subsea corridors, GBI enhances network diversity and reliability for regional and global partners alike.
