Ooredoo Launches Ooredoo Fibre Networks as a Dedicated International Connectivity Entity and Names Khalid Hassan Al-Hamadi as CEO

Ooredoo Group has announced the formation of a bold new independent entity dedicated to scaling its international connectivity ambitions, as the telecommunications giant moves decisively to capitalise on the surging global demand for high-performance data infrastructure driven by artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and hyperscale growth.

The new entity, named Ooredoo Fibre Networks (OFN), will serve as the group's specialised vehicle for executing strategic investments in submarine cables and high-capacity terrestrial transport fibre, positioning Ooredoo as a key digital gateway between Asia, the Gulf, and Europe. The carve-out process is expected to be completed by 2027.

Alongside the formation of OFN, Ooredoo has appointed Khalid Hassan Al-Hamadi as Chief Executive Officer of OFN, effective 15th February 2026, bringing a seasoned leader with deep operational and strategic expertise to the helm of this ambitious new platform.

A Strategic Platform Built for the AI Era

OFN will consolidate Ooredoo's expanding portfolio of international connectivity assets and projects under a single, dedicated platform, significantly strengthening the group's ability to meet rising demand for resilient and high-performance data routes from hyperscalers, cloud providers, and AI platforms across the globe.

Commenting on the formation of OFN, Group CEO Aziz Aluthman Fakhroo said, "International connectivity and subsea infrastructure are already among the most strategic digital assets in the world, and demand is accelerating with AI, cloud, and hyperscale growth. With the formation of OFN, and with Khalid Hassan Al-Hamadi at the helm, we are creating a focused platform to scale our investments in fibre and submarine cables, deliver attractive long-term returns, and cement Ooredoo's position as a key data gateway between Asia, the Gulf, and Europe."

OFN and the RISE Strategy

The establishment of OFN is a central pillar of Ooredoo's evolved RISE strategy, which combines three investment horizons aimed at delivering superior shareholder returns and accelerating the group's transformation into a leading global digital infrastructure provider. Aziz further noted, "We have set a clear ambition to grow our international infrastructure and subsea cable business from 3% to 12% of Group revenues over time, reflecting the scale of the opportunity in global data and AI traffic flows."

Building One of the GCC's Largest Subsea Networks

Ooredoo is currently building one of the largest subsea cable and transport fibre networks in the GCC, creating a strategic new regional connectivity corridor and a compelling alternative to legacy routes. Central to this effort is the FIG subsea cable system, currently under development with Alcatel Submarine Networks and spanning approximately 1,900 kilometres, alongside additional submarine and terrestrial connectivity investments across the region. Together, these projects are reinforcing Ooredoo's role at the very centre of global infrastructure flows.

Khalid Hassan Al-Hamadi: The Right Leader for OFN

Khalid Hassan Al-Hamadi brings a wealth of operational and strategic leadership experience accumulated across Ooredoo's international footprint. Most recently, he served as Managing Director and CEO of Ooredoo Maldives since February 2022, following a distinguished career at Ooredoo Qatar where he held senior leadership roles across consumer sales and strategic planning.

During his tenure at Ooredoo Maldives, Khalid drove an accelerated digital transformation, expanding 5G coverage to approximately 80% of the population, extending broadband connectivity to additional islands, and deploying a new submarine cable to strengthen international connectivity. The company achieved record performance in total revenue and net profit under his leadership, earning global recognition including a Guinness World Record for hosting the largest underwater panel discussion.

Beyond telecommunications, Khalid brings more than 15 years of experience in the oil and gas sector, including senior leadership roles at Qatargas and General Electric, with a strong track record in operational excellence, transformation delivery, and the execution of large-scale, capital-intensive infrastructure projects, making him exceptionally well-suited to lead OFN's ambitious global connectivity agenda.