Zain KSA, leading provider of telecommunications and digital services in Saudi Arabia, has successfully completed a pioneering project to connect the Farasan Islands to the mainland by deploying a landmark backhaul microwave link. Residents, visitors, and local businesses across the archipelago now have access to high-capacity broadband services with faster speeds and more reliability, all while safeguarding the region’s unique marine environment.

This achievement reflects Zain KSA’s commitment to expanding digital inclusivity and empowering communities in areas far from major network hubs, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to develop sustainable digital infrastructure. It also supports national efforts to bridge the digital divide — even in the most challenging locations, enabling communities, driving development, and preserving the Kingdom’s distinctive ecosystems for future generations.

The new 50-km backhaul, developed by Zain KSA in collaboration with Nokia, significantly enhances capacity, up to 3 Gbps, and delivers carrier-grade 99.99% availability.  Engineered for open-sea conditions, the solution incorporates built-in resilience to counter harsh weather and atmospheric effects, delivering a stable, high network throughput despite humidity or rain.

The Farasan Islands are a protected area renowned for biodiversity and heritage. An UNESCO  Biosphere Reserve, it is home to endangered species like green turtles and Arabian gazelles. To protect the seabed and fragile habitats, Zain KSA chose a wireless solution instead of laying a submarine cable. This has accelerated delivery, reducing construction risk and demonstrating responsible ICT infrastructure development.

Eng. Mohammad bin Abdulaziz Al Nujaidi, Chief Technology Officer at Zain KSA stated: “This pioneering project has made everyday connectivity on Farasan smoother and more dependable, while protecting a unique marine environment and reserve. The state-of-the-art solution, developed and implemented in collaboration with Nokia, ensures that remote regions have access to the same digital opportunities as urban centers, thereby enhancing digital inclusion. It demonstrates how meaningful development can be achieved through infrastructure that drives progress while preserving resources, and also shows how innovation can drive environmental stewardship, advancing Zain KSA’s goal of enabling sustainable innovation in line with Saudi Vision 2030.”