Kalaam and Riedel Networks Rev Up MENA Connectivity with Renewed Partnership

If you’ve ever tried to keep up with the frantic, high-stakes world of motorsport—or the breakneck pace of modern business comms in the MENA region—you’ll know how a single hiccup in connectivity can create a proper headache. That’s why the news that Kalaam Telecom’s wholesale arm, Kalaam Carrier Solutions (KCS), is doubling down on its partnership with Riedel Networks is catching the eye of tech circles across the Middle East and North Africa.

The two companies have renewed their alliance for three more years, focusing on strengthening critical connectivity—not just for glitzy racetracks, but also for more “buttoned-up” sectors like finance, energy, and logistics. Honestly, from what I’ve seen supporting startups through Arageek, getting connectivity spot on in this region is sometimes a bit of a faff. Anything that makes it easier gets a thumbs-up from me.

Their relationship isn’t new—they’ve been rolling up their sleeves together since 2022. During racing events in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, their robust network—anchored by a key digital “Point of Presence” in Manama, Bahrain—helped teams connect securely and with almost no delay (they call it “low-latency”). The backbone of it all is the “KNOT” terrestrial cable system, which snakes across the region by land and links up directly with Riedel’s global network, basically reducing the risk of interruptions.

With this latest renewal, they’re not just resting on their laurels. Plans are in the works to add more interconnection points and roll out new services, making it easier for both big corporates and fast-moving digital broadcasters to plug in—without tearing their hair out over the technical stuff.

You don’t have to take it from me, though. Veer Passi, who leads Kalaam Telecom as CEO, pointed out that Riedel’s decision to use Bahrain as their main hub underscores the Kingdom’s emergence as a regional digital powerhouse. I reckon he’s not wrong—Bahrain’s been ramping up its digital infrastructure, and Kalaam has been driving much of that activity.

And on the flip side, Michael Martens, the boss over at Riedel Networks, seemed quite chuffed with how things have gone so far. He mentioned that this collaboration has made it possible to bring top-tier motorsport events online reliably, while also giving Middle Eastern enterprises a proper network solution. Looking ahead, he talked of broadening services to keep pace with the appetite of both corporate and global events customers.

Worth noting, Kalaam isn’t a new player on the block. With three decades under its belt, it operates not just in Bahrain but across Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the UAE, Jordan, Egypt, and even the UK. Their claim to fame: a specialty for linking up via unique terrestrial and undersea cables, such as the Europe-India Gateway and the less-talked-about (but nifty) “Kalaam Iraq Transit” route.

It’s easy to overlook the work that goes into these partnerships when you’re watching the action on screen or running your own startup, but without this kind of solid backbone, many businesses would, well… grind to a halt. So, while it may sound a tad technical, it’s a reminder that the right alliances can make even the trickiest parts of the region feel seamlessly connected—a lesson we keep seeing first-hand at Arageek as we try to empower MENA startups to punch above their weight.

That said, connectivity alone won’t solve every business woe, but it’s not something you’d want to skimp on. If you ask me, this move looks to be a win-win—it keeps the wheels turning in the racing world and the lights on for enterprises. Not too shabby at all, even if the jargon can make your head spin.

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