Red Sea Cable Crisis: UAE's Strategic Advantage

Red Sea Cable Delays: Why UAE Stays Calm but Vigilant

In the past two years, submarine cable projects around the Red Sea have increasingly faced delays or damage due to various geopolitical and security reasons. This region is considered a sensitive spot for global internet connectivity—experts often refer to it as a "bottleneck." Despite delays and cabling issues, residents and companies in the United Arab Emirates, including Dubai, have not noticed significant slowdowns or outages, thanks to years of strategic investments in the country's digital infrastructure. But how long can this continue?

The Vulnerability of the Red Sea

The Red Sea is one of the busiest marine routes for global internet data traffic, playing a crucial role in connecting Europe and Asia. In February 2024, a cable cut disrupted up to 70% of the data traffic between Europe and Asia—far more than the original estimates had predicted.

The vulnerability of the cable network is not just a theoretical risk. A few months ago, four submarine systems were cut near Jeddah, forcing the region's internet traffic to be rerouted via longer paths—resulting in increased response times and higher loads on other infrastructures.

UAE's Advantages: Diversified Routes and Internal Resources

While the Red Sea region is one of the most vulnerable zones in the global internet network, the United Arab Emirates—especially Dubai—remains relatively stable even amid such challenges. The reason is their consciously constructed redundant and diversified infrastructure.

The country doesn't rely solely on a single route or system. Several marine and terrestrial connections exist, allowing traffic to safely flow through alternate routes when necessary. Additionally, the country has developed large data centers and internal networks capable of handling increased loads.

The Deeper Issue: Losing Future Capacity

Even though the UAE is currently stable, experts clearly warn that delays in future cable projects could significantly affect the entire region—and thereby indirectly the Emirates as well. For instance, the giant project called 2Africa led by Meta is stalled in the Red Sea segment due to geopolitical and permitting issues.

These delays not only threaten current data traffic but also prevent adequate spare capacity from being available in the future—when new cuts or technical issues may arise. Without accessible "future buffer capacity," every additional cable failure will have disproportionately larger impacts.

What Happens if Trouble Arises? Slowing Internet, Delayed Payments, Disrupted Financial Systems

Submarine cables don't just cater to everyday browsing and video watching. An increasing number of financial systems, real-time settlements, and trading platforms depend on low-latency data connections. Any slowdowns in these could immediately impact electronic payments, forex trading, or stock transactions.

A digital infrastructure expert suggests that even the most modern financial systems are vulnerable if the underlying physical infrastructure—such as the Red Sea cables—is unreliable.

How Long Can Current Security Be Maintained?

While the UAE currently handles challenges well, this doesn't mean there is no risk. Experts believe it has become urgent for service providers to not just maintain "alternative routes on paper," but to invest in actual, high-capacity redundant systems. This means building at least one truly operational and load-sustaining alternative alongside every key route.

The situation is further exacerbated by the fact that the repair time for cables is now much longer than before. It's not uncommon for restoring a damaged section to take even 6-9 months, especially when political or permitting obstacles complicate the work.

Strategic Approach: Long-Term Investment for Stability

The example of the UAE shows how a country can be prepared for international network problems. The state has diversified its internet links, focuses intensively on data center development, and created a regulatory environment conducive to financial and digital innovation.

However, reducing future risks is not just about relying on existing infrastructure. New cables, new alternative routes, and strategic alliances are needed—both regionally and globally.

Summary

Although current submarine cable issues around the Red Sea do not significantly affect internet speed in the UAE, the situation remains fragile. The country has admirably prepared for the challenges, but the entire region's resilience continues to pose a significant risk. Prevention, diversification, and long-term capacity building have not only become technical but also economic and strategic priorities. If meaningful progress is not made in the coming years, even Dubai might feel the consequences of global data traffic bottlenecks.

(The article is based on the opinions of industry experts.) img_alt: A young man relaxing at home with a smartphone and router, enjoying a peaceful afternoon.