Stc’s center3 and ASN to connect KSA with Europe via subsea and terrestrial data cables

center3, owned by stc Group, on behalf of the consortium partners of EMC Subsea Cable Company Ltd. and Alcatel Submarine Networks, a leader in the manufacturing and installation of submarine optical systems, announced the signing of a supplier’s contract for the construction of two subsea and terrestrial data cables — EMC West — that will connect Saudi Arabia with Europe. The second phase of the EMC system — EMC Global — that will connect Saudi Arabia with Asia is in the process of being finalized and will be announced soon.

The EMC project enables Saudi Arabia, Greece and Cyprus to leverage their geographic positions. It delivers a much-needed new data corridor, positioning the three countries at the epicenter of a digital connectivity infrastructure, which will become a cornerstone of the digital transformation era.

The EMC cable is designed, from its inception, to realize Saudi Vision 2030 and Greece 2.0 by transforming the Kingdom into a “digital hub” that connects Asia with Europe and Africa, positioning Greece and Cyprus as “European Union’s East Data Gateway.” ASN will begin to construct EMC West, linking Haql in Saudi Arabia with Genova, Italy and Marseille, France, via Cyprus and Greece. The two cables — consisting of multiple fiber pairs — will have branches in Cyprus, Crete and Athens. The EMC system is

expected to be in operation in Q1 2026.

The EMC consortium partners expressed their gratitude and appreciation to all the stakeholders involved and congratulated their teams and the related ministries for facilitating the implementation of this groundbreaking and high-profile project.