Meta And Google Delay Red Sea Subsea Cables On Security Risk, And Gulf Players Step Into The Gap

As Meta and Google delay planned subsea cable projects through the Red Sea over rising security concerns, Qatar’s Ooredoo is pushing forward its Fibre in the Gulf cable system, set to be the largest ever built in the GCC when it completes in late 2027.

Reported by: Fortune, “The Gulf’s AI boom is driving the race to control the data highways”

Norm's Take

Data infrastructure ownership in the Gulf is shifting toward regional players precisely as US hyperscalers pull back on regional risk. Firms dependent on Gulf connectivity should map this ownership shift now, since it changes who controls latency, cost, and data residency terms going forward.

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About the author
Norm Murray
AI Leadership Advisor · Psychologist · Economist
Norm advises CEOs, boards and senior leaders on the psychology and economics of AI adoption: what AI does to leaders and organizations, not just what it does. He has led global businesses across multiple continents and writes The Norm Report for executives navigating the AI shift.
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Norm’s Edge is analysis and opinion intended for senior executive and board-level audiences. It does not constitute legal, financial, investment, compliance or regulatory advice. Stories are drawn from third-party reporting that may be unconfirmed. Readers should seek independent professional counsel before making decisions based on any content published here. Norm E. Murray does not accept any liability for actions taken in reliance on this analysis.

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