In a milestone development for luxury tourism and digital infrastructure in the Maldives, Ooredoo Maldives has successfully connected the prestigious Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi resort to its high-capacity submarine cable network, establishing the island as the country’s first private 5G-enabled destination. This achievement reinforces the Maldives’ positioning as a world-class destination that blends natural beauty with cutting-edge technology, offering guests an unparalleled travel experience.
The new submarine cable, which runs through the island of Maafushi and links directly to Ooredoo’s state-of-the-art Data Center in Hulhumalé, introduces high-speed, dual-redundant fibre connectivity to the South Malé Atoll. This infrastructure enhancement supports faster internet speeds, improved resilience, and seamless connectivity for the resort, further catering to the demands of discerning international travellers.
A formal landing ceremony was held on 2 August 2025 at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi to mark the completion of this landmark project. The event was attended by the Minister of Tourism and Environment, Honourable Thoriq Ibrahim; Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Ooredoo Maldives, Khalid Al-Hamadi; General Manager of Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, TJ Joulak; Chief Executive of the Communication Authority of Maldives, Ilyas Ibrahim; Maafushi City Council President, Hassan Solah; and several senior officials and distinguished guests.
Khalid Al-Hamadi, CEO of Ooredoo Maldives, emphasized the strategic importance of the development in his remarks. “For the past two decades, Ooredoo Maldives has been the driving force behind the country’s telecommunications evolution. This dedicated submarine cable at Waldorf Astoria—the nation’s first private 5G island resort—not only strengthens our digital infrastructure but marks a defining moment in our Digital Maldives journey. The resort now benefits from dedicated dual-redundant connectivity, private 5G access, AI-enabled technologies, and a cutting-edge tree tower, all of which raise the bar for luxury hospitality experiences in the Maldives.”
Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, known for its elevated luxury offerings and exceptional guest experiences, now incorporates digital innovation into its service philosophy. General Manager TJ Joulak expressed his appreciation during the ceremony, stating, “We are honoured to host this historic event. In today’s luxury hospitality landscape, seamless connectivity is no longer optional, it’s expected. This development allows us to better support the evolving digital expectations of our global guests.”
Tourism and Environment Minister Thoriq Ibrahim also underscored the wider national significance of the project. “Since its inception in 2005, Ooredoo Maldives has made transformative contributions to the country’s digital landscape, with a consistent focus on accessibility and inclusion. This latest achievement is more than a technological upgrade; it’s a bold step toward a more connected, future-ready Maldives. The submarine cable landing at a tourist resort is a first for the country and stands as a proud milestone in the journey to integrate modern infrastructure with our tourism economy.”
The introduction of private 5G connectivity at Waldorf Astoria opens the door for next-generation digital experiences powered by artificial intelligence, smart devices, and ultra-fast data services, all while maintaining the island’s pristine luxury ambiance. This forward-looking integration of digital services not only enriches the guest experience but also boosts operational efficiency and enhances the resort’s appeal to the global high-end market.
As Ooredoo Maldives celebrates 20 years of operation in the country, the company continues to align its vision with national development goals. The Digital Maldives initiative, central to Ooredoo’s mission, aims to empower communities, close digital gaps, and promote inclusive access to technology across the islands. Through projects like this submarine cable deployment, Ooredoo demonstrates its commitment to building a digitally empowered nation where world-class technology complements traditional Maldivian values and lifestyles.
This latest connectivity project stands as a compelling example of how technology can elevate the tourism experience while supporting national development and innovation. It reflects a growing synergy between digital transformation and the Maldives’ premium hospitality sector, ensuring that the country remains a leader in both natural and digital paradise.
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