A milestone reflecting the growing role of Qatari companies in connecting the region to the world

Doha, 9 November 2026: H.E. Mustafa Jabar Sanad, Minister of Communications of the Republic of Iraq, has commissioned the North Express Route of Qatari company Gulf Bridge International (GBI), a specialist in international connectivity, which carries international capacity from East to West via Iraq, from inside the company’s network operations centre in Doha, alongside Eng. Ahmad Mohamed AL-Kuwari, Board Member & Chief Executive Officer of Gulf Bridge International.

The Minister was accompanied by Ms. Muna Al-Gharabi, Chair of the Transport and Communications Committee of the Iraqi Council of Representatives, Mr. Rafiq Al-Salihi, Member of the Committee, and a delegation from Iraq’s Ministry of Communications.

The North Express Route adds a new path for international capacity between East and West, operated from Doha by Qatari expertise. It strengthens route diversity and network resilience across the region, reinforces the State of Qatar’s position as a regional hub for digital connectivity, and supports Iraq’s role as a key corridor for data transit.

The commissioning reflects the efforts of Qatari companies to develop international telecommunications infrastructure and build regional partnerships that open new routes to the world, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 and its goal of a knowledge-based economy.

Eng. Ahmad Mohamed AL-Kuwari said: “Commissioning the North Express Route marks an important milestone in our partnership with Iraq’s Ministry of Communications, and demonstrates the ability of Qatari companies to lead regional connectivity projects that give customers wider options for carrying capacity between East and West. We value the support of H.E. the Minister and the Transport and Communications Committee, and look forward to continuing our work together from Doha to strengthen digital connectivity across the region.”