Maldives Gets Its First Private 5G Island via Ooredoo

The Maldives is taking a bold leap into the digital future. Ooredoo Maldives has successfully completed the nation’s first submarine cable landing at a tourist resort, linking Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi to its national fiber backbone. With this development, the resort becomes the country’s first private 5G-enabled island, a milestone for both hospitality and telecom infrastructure.

Connectivity Gaps in Remote Luxury Resorts

The luxury tourism sector in the Maldives has long struggled with dependable, high-capacity connectivity. Remote island locations make traditional terrestrial solutions unfeasible. As demand rises for real-time services, AI-powered experiences, and ultra-fast Wi-Fi, resorts face pressure to deliver seamless digital experiences without compromising on privacy or performance.

Ooredoo’s Submarine Cable and Private 5G Solution

Ooredoo addressed this by deploying a dedicated submarine cable to the Waldorf Astoria resort. The cable links Ithaafushi through Maafushi and connects directly to Ooredoo’s Tier-III Data Center in Hulhumalé. With dual-redundant pathways and private 5G infrastructure, the resort now enjoys high-capacity, low-latency, and always-on connectivity, engineered for the expectations of luxury travelers.

Ooredoo Marks 5G Milestone with Launch Event at Ithaafushi

The accomplishment was commemorated during a landing ceremony on August 2, 2025. Attendees included Tourism and Environment Minister Thoriq Ibrahim, Ooredoo Maldives CEO Khalid Al-Hamadi, and executives from the Waldorf Astoria.

Al-Hamadi described the project as “a vital milestone” for the company’s “Digital Maldives” vision, emphasizing the integration of AI and private 5G services tailored for elite guests. TJ Joulak, General Manager of the resort, noted that digital reliability is now a fundamental part of luxury hospitality.

Key Technologies Powering the Maldives’ First 5G Island

The deployment includes:

• Dedicated Submarine Fiber Cable with dual redundancy

• Private 5G Network for the resort

• Integration with Ooredoo’s Tier-III Data Center

• AI-enabled infrastructure for digital concierge and automation services

• Tree tower architecture, blending tech into natural surroundings

This future-ready setup makes Waldorf Astoria Ithaafushi the most digitally advanced resort in the Maldives.

How Private 5G Enhances Guest Experience and Tourism ROI

For the resort:

• Seamless guest connectivity for work, entertainment, and smart room controls

• Low-latency for immersive experiences like AR/VR

• Enhanced cybersecurity with private, isolated infrastructure

• Operational automation, reducing downtime and manual tasks

For the nation:

• Sets a precedent for tech-driven tourism

• Enhances the Maldives’ global positioning as a smart luxury destination

• Demonstrates how telco innovation can directly boost tourism revenue

What This Means for Hospitality and Remote Tourism Sectors

This development raises the bar for digital transformation in the hospitality sector, particularly in remote tourism hubs. It also shows how Private Networks and Edge Computing can deliver premium experiences even in geographically isolated locations.

Ooredoo’s Vision for a Digitally Connected Maldives

Ooredoo Maldives has steadily invested in expanding digital infrastructure over its 20-year journey in the country. This submarine cable landing is the latest in a series of initiatives aimed at creating a “Digital Maldives” — where connectivity, inclusion, and innovation converge to empower communities and industries alike.

Stakeholders Behind the Maldives’ First Smart Resort Island

The project also involved:

• Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi: Hosting the infrastructure and aligning resort services with the new digital capabilities

• Maafushi City Council: Supporting local coordination

• Communication Authority of Maldives: Ensuring compliance and quality assurance

Waldorf Astoria: Officially the Maldives’ First 5G Private Island

The submarine cable has been successfully deployed and connected. With systems operational, Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi is now officially the Maldives’ first private 5G island — offering guests world-class digital services alongside world-class views.

• Pre-2025: Planning, design, and regulatory approvals

• Mid-2025: Submarine cable laying and infrastructure installation

• August 2, 2025: Official landing ceremony and project completion

Voices from Tourism and Tech Leaders on the 5G Milestone

Tourism Minister Thoriq Ibrahim called it “a proud milestone,” praising Ooredoo’s focus on inclusion and long-term digital growth. CEO Al-Hamadi highlighted the significance of private 5G and AI in creating “next-generation digital experiences.” Resort GM TJ Joulak echoed the importance of advanced connectivity in shaping modern luxury travel.