Business

Google, Meta’s Red Sea cable delays can slow internet speeds in the UAE

Most of the world’s internet moves through thin fibre-optic cables lying on the seabed. When something disrupts those routes, speeds drop — even in highly connected countries like the UAE.

That’s why the latest Bloomberg report on Google and Meta delaying their Red Sea subsea cable projects has raised concerns. The setbacks come after earlier interruptions in the same region left users across the Middle East dealing with slower-than-usual connections.

Bottleneck at centre of connectivity

Meta’s 2Africa cable and Google’s Blue-Raman system were both designed to pass through the Red Sea — the fastest path between Europe, Asia and Africa. Together, these projects were meant to dramatically increase the region’s bandwidth and improve the long-term resilience of global connectivity.

But the most sensitive part of the route, the southern Red Sea segment, still isn’t complete. Meta confirmed that progress is stalled due to “operational factors, regulatory concerns and geopolitical risk.” Other major cables waiting to pass through the same corridor — including India-Europe-Xpress, Sea-Me-We 6 and Africa-1 — face similar delays.

That leaves one of the world’s most important digital corridors struggling to keep up with demand.

Why Red Sea has become so difficult

The Red Sea has always been the most direct route linking Asia with Europe. Now, it’s also one of the most complicated to operate in.

Security risks have made it harder for specialised cable-laying ships to enter the area.
Negotiating permits with multiple authorities slows down every phase of the work.
Shipping disruptions caused by regional tensions add further delay.

Unlike cargo vessels, cable ships can’t simply reroute around a problem. Their paths are approved years ahead of construction, and changing them is extremely difficult.

How it affects UAE internet speeds

Even with strong domestic infrastructure, the UAE relies heavily on subsea cables to reach global internet hubs. When the Red Sea corridor becomes unstable or incomplete, traffic has to be redirected through longer, slower alternate routes.

That leads to effects users quickly notice:

Slower load times for international websites and apps
Higher latency during video calls and cloud work
Occasional dips in streaming quality or gaming performance

There are also cost implications. Bloomberg notes that cable owners who invested heavily in the new systems cannot generate any revenue until they go live — and in the meantime must pay for extra capacity on other routes just to keep up with demand.

Global tech giants try to fix problem

With the Red Sea now viewed as a “high-risk point of failure,” companies are trying to spread the load across more paths. This includes:

Land-based alternatives through Saudi Arabia and Bahrain
A growing interest in Iraq-based links once considered too risky
Diversifying routes to prevent dependence on a single chokepoint

These alternatives may take time to build, but they point toward a more stable, resilient internet for the region.

Big picture?

The UAE’s digital economy depends on global cables as much as local infrastructure.

When major projects like Google’s and Meta’s Red Sea routes are delayed, the effects can be felt here — even if briefly — in everyday internet performance.

But the long-term shift toward diversified routes is a positive one. Once completed, the new paths will make the regional network stronger, less vulnerable, and better equipped to handle future demand.

Gulf News

Business

Two major parks planned in Riyadh

Authorities in the Saudi capital have unveiled plans to develop two expansive public parks covering more than 310,000 square metres as part of a broader push to increase green spaces across the city.

The Riyadh Region Municipality confirmed on Wednesday that the new developments will be situated in the eastern and southern districts of the capital. The project is designed to transform the city’s urban landscape, shifting away from traditional park layouts toward integrated “urban destinations” that cater to both recreation and environmental sustainability.

Central to the design is a scenic valley that will serve as a functional and visual anchor for both sites. According to municipal officials, the parks are intended to bolster the city’s “urban fabric” by providing high-quality public areas that align with the quality-of-life goals set out in the Saudi Vision 2030 framework.

The facilities planned for the 317,200-square-metre footprint are extensive. Beyond standard greenery, the sites will feature a golf course, multi-purpose sports fields, and dedicated jogging tracks. Families will have access to children’s play areas and water features, while the inclusion of a theatre and designated event spaces suggests the parks will double as cultural hubs for the local community.

“These parks represent high-quality developments aimed at expanding public spaces across the capital,” the municipality said in a statement. The announcement noted that the projects would also include a range of commercial amenities, including restaurants and cafés, to ensure the parks remain active throughout the day.

This latest initiative follows a series of large-scale environmental projects in the Kingdom, where officials are increasingly prioritising “livability” as Riyadh undergoes population and infrastructure expansion. The municipality highlighted that the design focuses on “environmental sensitivity,” incorporating innovative greening techniques to manage the arid climate while maintaining sustainable water use.

Business

Prince William to Official Visit Saudi Arabia in February

Britain’s Prince William is set to visit Saudi Arabia for the first time in an official capacity, Kensington Palace announced on Wednesday. The trip is scheduled from February 9 to 11, 2026.

Strengthening Ties Between the UK and Saudi Arabia

According to Kensington Palace, the visit comes as the UK and Saudi Arabia mark growing trade, energy, and investment partnerships. It also coincides with celebrations of nearly a century of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

A First for the Duke

This will be Prince William’s first official trip to Saudi Arabia, highlighting the importance of the country in the UK’s international relations and economic strategy.

What to Expect

While details of the itinerary haven’t been fully released, the visit is expected to include meetings with Saudi officials and discussions on trade, investment, and energy collaboration.

The visit signals a continued focus on strengthening ties between London and Riyadh, while marking a historic moment in Prince William’s international engagements.

Business

Japan tourist arrivals hit record 42.7 million in 2025

Tourists to Japan hit a record 42.7 million in 2025, exceeding 40 million for the first time, Japan’s Tourism Minister, Yasushi Kaneko, told a press conference.

Total spending by inbound tourists reached 9.5 trillion yen ($60 billion) over the year, also ‌a record high.

WAM