Saudi Cable Manufacturers: HVDC and Fiber Optic Projects (2020–2026)

Saudi Arabia’s growth drive for power transmission, fiber optic networks, 5G connectivity and digital infrastructure creates stable demand for reliable cable systems. Over the timeframe from 2020 to 2026, this drive highlights two areas of focus – high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission and fiber optic communications. For buyers and contractors, the selection of a suitable cable manufacturer depends on requirements and technical specifications of a project.

Saudi Arabia’s Cable Market: Key Trends and Developments

The infrastructure development drive of Saudi Arabia is aligned with Vision 2030 and targets the diversification, development of industries and digital transformation. These priorities fuel the investments into electricity infrastructure, broadband network, smart cities and large-scale industrial projects.

The cable market is split between two areas:

• Power transmission: high- and extra-high-voltage cables connect substations, industrial facilities, renewable energy projects and transmission network.
• Telecommunications: fiber optic cables enable broadband access, 5G transport network, data center operation and critical communication systems.

Different applications have different requirements in cable design and production. While power cables have strict electrical and thermal requirements, fiber optic cables need to deliver reliable optical performance combined with sufficient mechanical protection.

For foreign buyers, it is crucial to understand the difference between the two when choosing Saudi cable manufacturers and overseas suppliers.

HVDC and High-Voltage Cable Projects in Saudi Arabia, 2020–2026

High-voltage direct current (HVDC) technology is used for electricity transmission over long distances and interconnection of asynchronous power systems. Compared to traditional high-voltage alternating current (HVAC) transmission, the advantages of HVDC are demonstrated in certain long-distance and interconnection scenarios.

The broad power infrastructure development includes power transmission lines, high-voltage cables, substations and connections with renewable energy sources. Not all high-voltage projects use HVDC, so buyers need to check if the project involves HVDC technology.

There is one documented example of a project with involvement of a Saudi cable manufacturer. According to Saudi Cable Company’s website, the company participates in Ethiopia–Kenya HVDC interconnection project. The example illustrates the involvement of the company in high-voltage cables outside of Saudi market.

Some other examples show the scope of high-voltage cable market in Saudi Arabia:

• AlUla Electrical Substation Project: high-, medium- and related voltage cable applications.
• Hanine Main Feeding Point Substation Project: extra-high-, high- and medium-voltage cables.
• Power Transmission Lines Project: Makkah–Taif: high-voltage cable applications.
• Umm Wu’al Phosphate Project: high-voltage cables for industrial infrastructure.

Note: these examples are only illustrative and cannot be considered as HVDC installations per se. Instead of highlighting a narrow sector of the market, they showcase the broader market of power transmission and the variety of voltage classes and cable types used by cable manufacturers.

For the buyers, the practical conclusion is obvious: verify the voltage rating, conductor material, insulation system, installation method and applicable standards before comparing the quotes. The HVDC projects may require special converter station equipment and testing that is not needed in each conventional high-voltage project.

Fiber Optic Projects in Saudi Arabia, 0020–2026

Fiber optic networks developed together with the growth of broadband adoption, 5G implementation and expansion of digital services. Unlike the power cables, fiber optic cables carry information in the form of light pulses over long distances with minimal signal loss.

Here are the key developments showcasing the dynamics of the market in the analyzed period.

Modernization of Saudi National Fiber Network, 2020

In October 2020, a consortium headed by Mobily and Integrated Telecom Company (ITC) announced the fiber network modernization project in cooperation with Huawei. The purpose of the project was to create an ultra-broadband optical backbone for provision of 5G services and network transformation.

Expansion of national fiber network infrastructure

Also, Saudi Arabia advanced the development of broadband access and optimization of shared fiber infrastructure. In 2020, the telecommunications regulator revealed an open access agreement allowing telecom operators to use existing fiber network infrastructure for provision of services. The practice encourages competition and prevents duplicating of network infrastructure.

Manufacturing opportunities, 2025-2026

Local manufacturing became a crucial part of the infrastructure opportunity in 2025-2026. According to the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia, fiber optic cable manufacturing is a promising investment target for the production of cables for telecom operators, data centers, aviation infrastructure, radar systems and other communication applications.

According to the published opportunity profile, the market value of fiber optic cables manufacturing in Saudi Arabia is estimated at about USD 745 million in 2025 and forecasted at USD 1.45 billion by 2034.

These numbers are estimations and not the confirmed project awards but they point out to the possible future demand.

For cable manufacturers, these numbers represent the potential opportunities in the following products:

• Single-mode fiber optic cables for long-haul and access networks.
• Outdoor fiber optic cables for underground, aerial and duct installation.
• Armored fiber optic cables for harsh environments.
• Fiber optic patch cords and pigtails for equipment connections.
• PLC splitters and other optical distribution components for fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) networks.

Each application has specific requirements. Buying products by fiber count or price per unit can cause problems with installation and extra costs.

What Buyers Should Consider When Assessing Saudi Cable Manufacturers

Comparing Saudi cable manufacturers with international suppliers, project teams should pay attention to the company’s product range, delivery and compliance. The choice depends on the scope of the project, requirements in delivery and technical compliance.

Keep these five factors in mind:

1) Product specialization: check if the manufacturer produces power cables, HVDC cable systems, fiber optic cables or related accessories. Being good in one field does not imply expertise in another.

2) Technical compliance: review applicable IEC, IEEE, ITU-T or project-specific requirements. The standards that are relevant for you depend on the product and its application.

3) Manufacturing and testing capability: ask for technical datasheets, test reports, quality documentation and proof of production capability of the specific cable type.

4) Environmental suitability: the projects in Saudi Arabia may encounter high temperatures, UV exposure, dust, humidity and difficult installation conditions. Make sure that the cable structure and sheath material are suitable for the environment.

5) Delivery and after-sales support: check production lead times, packaging, documentation, warranty conditions and availability of technical support for the installation process.

For large infrastructure projects, it is also important to check if the supplier is approved by the project owner or utility company. The technically suitable product may still require additional approval for the particular project.

How Huijue Network Supports Fiber Optic Projects

Though power transmission and telecommunications use the same broad cable infrastructure market, the product requirements in both markets are different. Huijue Network is specialized in communication equipment and fiber optic cables for B2B customers.

Its product range includes fiber optic cables, fiber optic patch cords, fiber optic pigtails, PLC splitters and other fiber optic accessories. The products can be used in FTTH deployment, optical distribution networks (ODN), telecom infrastructure and fiber connections between communication devices.

For distributors, contractors and system integrators, the collaboration with the supplier specializing in fiber optics can facilitate the sourcing of the components.

When assessing the supplier, buyers need to provide the intended application, fiber type, number of fibers required, cable structure, installation environment, connector specifications (where applicable) and the order quantity. This information allows checking the suitability of the product and getting the exact quote.

Huijue Network operates in the telecommunications and fiber optic equipment segment and should not be confused with a specialist HVDC cable manufacturer unless the cable capabilities are verified independently.

Outlook for 2026 and Beyond

The infrastructure drive of Saudi Arabia creates opportunities for the suppliers of power cables and fiber optic cables. Though the drivers of these two markets are different, the dynamics from 2020 through 2026 shows that both sectors remain strategically important.

For foreign contractors and procurement teams, the best approach would be matching each project with the manufacturer having the relevant technical expertise, production capability and quality documentation.