In a bold and unprecedented move to commemorate its 20th anniversary, Ooredoo Maldives made global headlines on 3 May 2025 by executing what is now officially recognized as the Largest Underwater Panel Discussion. This record-setting event unfolded beneath the turquoise waters of Baa Atoll’s Fulhadhoo, showcasing not only daring innovation but also the company’s commitment to connectivity, sustainability, and pushing technological boundaries.
Why This Matters: Beyond the Record
While breaking a Guinness World Record is already a headline-grabbing feat, what makes this underwater panel discussion truly significant is how it seamlessly fused technology, environment, and national vision:
- It demonstrated the robustness of Ooredoo’s network, capable of sustaining voice, video, and real-time connections even underwater.
- It drew international attention to the fragile marine ecosystems of the Maldives and the need for conservation in these UNESCO-recognized biospheres.
- It positioned the Maldives as a laboratory of innovation, where digital transformation and environmental awareness go hand in hand.
This was more than just an event; it was a symbolic gesture of how technology can help highlight urgent conversations about sustainability and resilience.
Preparation & Technical Mastery: Engineering a Seamless Underwater Experience
Executing a fully submerged panel discussion is no small feat. Months of planning, technical rehearsals, safety protocols, and environmental assessments were essential to ensure success.
Key Technical Elements
- Full-face diving masks with built-in microphones
Each of the five panelists used a specialized diving mask integrated with audio capture technology, allowing them to speak underwater for two minutes each. - Underwater speakers, external audio, and synchronized transmission
An underwater audio system carried the voices to the submerged audience, while concurrent external audio and video feeds enabled broadcast to onshore viewers. - Real-time connectivity to global stakeholders
Live video calls were made during the session to Ooredoo Group’s leadership, proving that connectivity transcended both land and sea. - Safety protocols and environmental safeguarding
Given the delicate reef ecosystem, which reportedly maintained 95% unbleached coral coverage, careful site selection, diver training, and environmental monitoring were integral.
The meticulous engineering allowed the record attempt to succeed on the first official try, a testament to the team’s dedication and technical precision.
The Panel & Participants: Voices Beneath the Waves
The underwater panel featured five distinguished speakers, each with a unique perspective at the intersection of environment, defense, and technology:
- Ahmed Shiyam — Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources
- Khalid Al-Hamadi — CEO, Ooredoo Maldives
- Brigadier General Mohamed Saleem — Maldives National Defence Force
- Shabeen Ali — Director of Operations, Ooredoo Maldives
- Afsheen Mohamed — Senior Manager, Transmission, Ooredoo Maldives
During the session:
- Each panelist spoke for approximately two minutes underwater, raising awareness about the synergy between technology, sustainability, and national resilience.
- The underwater audience included senior officials of Ooredoo Maldives, MMPRC MD Shiuree Ibrahim, and foreign guests.
- From beneath the sea, the event was broadcast live to audiences in the Maldives, Qatar, and beyond.
One of the hallmarks was how audio and video were transmitted without a hitch, highlighting Ooredoo’s ability to maintain connectivity in even the most extreme settings.
The Venue & Environmental Context
Selecting the dive location was as strategic as designing the technical setup:
- The Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and Fulhadhoo Bay were chosen for their relatively intact coral ecosystems and pristine surroundings.
- The site boasted 95% unbleached coral coverage, including an ancient 800-year-old lettuce coral (Turbinaria mesenterina)—a symbol of ecological endurance.
- The event’s depth was roughly 5 meters below sea level, balancing accessibility and immersion.
By anchoring the event in such a sensitive marine context, Ooredoo Maldives elevated the narrative: this wasn’t just a technological showpiece, but also a statement of reverence for the sea that defines the Maldives.
The Bigger Picture: What This Record Implies
Innovation with Purpose
Khalid Al-Hamadi, Ooredoo Maldives’ CEO, emphasized that this was “not just a record-setting event — a living example of what we stand for.” The message is clear: innovation is only meaningful when it’s applied with courage, vision, and social purpose.
A Showcase of Network Strength
If connectivity that works underwater seems futuristic, that’s the point. The recording, voice, and video channels held up without interruption, reinforcing the idea that the network is built for extreme reliability.
Spotlight on Marine Conservation & Climate Awareness
By bringing attention to reef health, coral resilience, and the fragile nature of island ecosystems, the event dovetailed with global conversations on climate change, sea-level rise, and ocean conservation.
Tourism, Branding & Nation-Building
This event helps position the Maldives not just as a scenic destination, but as a hub of innovation and sustainable storytelling. In a world where narratives matter, this underwater act reinforces Maldives’ brand as a nation where nature and technology coalesce.
Looking Ahead: A Legacy of Boldness
Achieving this Guinness World Record was the result of meticulous planning, months of coordination, and multiple rounds of rigorous testing. From perfecting underwater communication systems to ensuring diver safety and environmental protection, every detail was carefully engineered to support a flawless execution.
The success of the record on the very first attempt is a testament to the dedication, technical expertise, and collaborative spirit of the entire Ooredoo Maldives team and its partners. It proves that with the right vision and preparation, even the boldest ideas can come to life.
This record-breaking event is not only a tribute to the company’s dedicated team and visionary leadership but also a celebration of the Maldives itself—a nation that continues to inspire the world with its natural beauty and innovative spirit.
As Ooredoo Maldives continues its 20th-year celebrations, the company promises more bold, future-focused initiatives to come. If history is any guide, these will continue to blend technology, sustainability, and national pride in ways that push boundaries and inspire global audiences.
Conclusion
Beneath the gentle waves of Baa Atoll, innovation and nature converged. On 3 May 2025, Ooredoo Maldives made history — not in a boardroom, but underwater. In doing so, the company didn’t just set a Guinness World Record; it declared that connectivity, when wielded boldly, can cut through boundaries — even the surface of the sea.
This achievement is not just about technology; it’s about vision, courage, and the ability to bring awareness to the most pressing challenges of our time. With this daring underwater act, Ooredoo Maldives has proven that limitless innovation, powerful connectivity, and sustainability can coexist — and even thrive — beneath the sea.
