Since its inception in 2010, stc Bahrain has established itself as a telecommunications leader not just in Bahrain but across the region. By employing a forward-thinking approach and strengthening its focus on emerging technologies, the company is positioning itself at the forefront of innovation.
In an exclusive interview with Telecom Review, Saad Odeh, Chief Wholesale Officer at stc Bahrain, expanded on stc Bahrain's strategic initiatives, its innovations, and its contribution to Bahrain's national vision for ICT-driven, sustainable economic growth.
stc Bahrain is at the forefront of the region's digital transformation. Could you share the company's broader strategic vision and how it aligns with Bahrain's Economic Vision 2030?
At stc Bahrain, our mission has always been to push the boundaries of innovation, empowering businesses and communities with future-proof digital solutions. Our strategy is centered around being a key enabler of Bahrain's Economic Vision 2030 by fostering innovation, enhancing infrastructure, and driving technological advancements across the Kingdom.
We have made significant investments to support this vision. For instance, stc Group’s initiative to establish a state-of-the-art Data Center Park is designed to position Bahrain as a regional digital hub, attracting global technology players and providing businesses with reliable, scalable data services.
Furthermore, serving as the cable landing station for the 2Africa Pearls subsea cable system significantly enhances Bahrain’s connectivity, providing faster, more resilient international connections for businesses and individuals.
Together, these initiatives are building the foundation for a smarter and more connected future, while contributing to Bahrain’s long-term economic and digital transformation goals.
How do these infrastructure investments and partnerships support stc Bahrain’s approach to innovation in the telecom sector?
Innovation is at the core of everything we do at stc Bahrain. Beyond traditional telecom services, we are constantly exploring emerging technologies that will define the future of connectivity.
Our investments in the infrastructure not only strengthen Bahrain’s digital ecosystem but also lay the groundwork for adopting next-generation technologies.
Our approach to innovation extends beyond traditional boundaries. We are actively leveraging emerging technologies like blockchain and Web3 to build a more secure, efficient, and customer-centric digital environment. These investments are designed to provide our customers and partners with solutions that meet both current and future demands, making us a strategic partner for digital transformation.
Blockchain and Web3 are gaining significant traction. What role do you see these technologies playing in telecommunications, and how is stc Bahrain positioning itself favorably in this space?
Blockchain has the potential to fundamentally transform digital landscapes. Its decentralized nature can enhance security, streamline operations, and enable new business models. For example, it can improve network efficiency by automating processes and reducing costs. From a customer experience perspective, it offers greater transparency and control over data.
At stc Bahrain, we see blockchain as a cornerstone technology for the future. We are not just adopting it; we are actively shaping its development through strategic initiatives like the Web3 Launchpad program. By building a robust blockchain ecosystem and partnering with global leaders, we are positioning Bahrain as a regional hub for Web3 innovation.
Can you tell us more about the Web3 Launchpad initiative and how it aligns with your broader strategic goals?
Our blockchain initiatives, particularly the Web3 Launchpad program, launched in March, 2024, aligns perfectly with our broader strategic goals of driving innovation, fostering economic growth, and transforming the digital landscape. This program was the first-of-its-kind globally and positioned Bahrain as a pioneer in the blockchain space.
The Launchpad is a cornerstone of our innovation strategy and was designed to cultivate a vibrant blockchain landscape by supporting both established and emerging protocols. Through its dual pathways—Qala’a and Pearling—we have successfully onboarded eight leading blockchain protocols, fostering an environment that attracts talent, investment, and groundbreaking solutions.
This pioneering effort has garnered international recognition, earning us two prestigious awards within a year. A testament to its success was the blockchain-focused hackathon we hosted, which was supported by industry leaders. The event attracted over 110 global participants who submitted more than 60 innovative projects, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in blockchain technology.
Our mission is clear: we’re not merely observers in the blockchain revolution; we are architects actively shaping it. By empowering developers and businesses to build on this transformative technology, we are positioning Bahrain and stc Bahrain as global leaders in the Web3 era.
How do these efforts contribute to Bahrain’s digital transformation and the Kingdom’s long-term economic goals?
Our initiatives, from infrastructure investments to pioneering blockchain programs, are all aligned with Bahrain's vision for a diversified and innovation-driven economy. We are not only strengthening the digital backbone of the Kingdom but also fostering a culture of technological advancement that will attract investment, create job opportunities, and position Bahrain as a leader in the digital economy.
At stc Bahrain, we believe that the future is being built today. We are proud to be at the forefront of this transformation and contribute to the Kingdom’s long-term growth and success.
Closing Statement:
Through its forward-thinking initiatives and strategic collaborations, stc Bahrain is redefining the telecommunications landscape and advancing digital innovation across the region. By investing in cutting-edge infrastructure, emerging technologies, and groundbreaking solutions, the company remains dedicated to empowering its partners and contributing to Bahrain’s long-term economic vision. stc Bahrain's commitment to innovation and excellence positions it as a driving force in building a more connected, secure, and technologically advanced future.
