du, the UAE-based ICT and digital solutions provider, has signed a strategic memorandum of understanding with Aqaba Digital Hub (ADH) to expand low-latency connectivity between the Gulf, the Levant, Asia, and Europe. The agreement is designed to enhance route diversity, resilience, and performance across regional networks.
A Strategic Gateway on the Red Sea
The partnership gives du a strategic presence at ADH’s carrier-neutral, Tier III-certified data centre ecosystem in Aqaba. By linking its international backbone and submarine cable landing stations to ADH’s western hub, du will enable alternative routing options for carriers, enterprises, and cloud providers.
This infrastructure will serve as a bridge between Asia and Europe through the Red Sea, providing improved network performance and more robust international interconnection points.
Expanding Infrastructure for a Connected Region
The move focuses on three core areas:
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Creating diverse and redundant network routes to avoid single points of failure.
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Reducing latency for cross-border digital traffic.
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Strengthening the resilience of critical digital infrastructure across markets.
The partnership is expected to give telecom operators, content delivery networks, and hyperscalers more flexibility in how they connect and exchange traffic.
Voices from the Partnership
Eyad Abu Khorma, CEO of Aqaba Digital Hub, said the agreement reinforces Aqaba’s role as a neutral digital gateway for the region. He noted that the hub is strategically positioned to support international operators and accelerate traffic between continents.
Saleem AlBlooshi, CTO of du, described the partnership as a milestone in regional digital transformation. He emphasized the importance of establishing diverse corridors to support the future of AI, cloud computing, and data-intensive services.
Positioning Jordan as a Regional Hub
ADH has been expanding its interconnection ecosystem through initiatives like AqabaIX. This latest agreement strengthens Jordan’s position as a strategic node in global connectivity, supporting both regional growth and international traffic demands.
The collaboration also reflects a growing trend among regional operators to invest in alternative routes that reduce dependency on traditional, congested paths.
A New Chapter for Regional Connectivity
The partnership sets the stage for joint technical planning, new points of presence, and integrated terrestrial and subsea infrastructure. If fully executed, the project will play a significant role in improving digital performance across the Middle East and beyond, creating new opportunities for carriers and enterprises.
