Beneath the turquoise waters of Fulhadhoo, Ooredoo Maldives made history by setting a new Guinness World Record for the world’s largest underwater panel discussion. Held at a depth of five metres, the event brought together five speakers in a bold demonstration of both technological innovation and environmental appreciation.
Among the panelists were Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam, Ooredoo Maldives CEO Khalid Al-Hamadi, Brigadier General Mohamed Saleem of the Maldives National Defence Force, and Ooredoo team members Shabeen Ali and Afsheen Mohamed. Each speaker addressed the audience for two minutes using pressurised headsets, with the audio and video broadcast live to viewers in Malé, Qatar and beyond.
The logistics involved outfitting divers with waterproof communication gear, synchronising speech delivery underwater, and establishing a sound and video system that could transmit in real time. The result was a seamless experience with no disruptions in transmission, showcasing the robustness of Ooredoo’s network.
“This was more than a record,” said Al-Hamadi. “It was a real-time demonstration of the strength of the Ooredoo network, enabling voice and video calls underwater and overseas, without missing a beat.”
The underwater panel was also a celebration of the Maldives’ natural environment. Taking place in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, the event highlighted Ooredoo’s commitment to sustainability and to bringing digital connectivity to even the most remote parts of the country.
A short documentary of the record-breaking dive has been released, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the planning and execution of the event. It can be viewed on YouTube here.
