The Gulf is taking major steps toward establishing itself as a central digital data corridor, with Ooredoo and regional governments accelerating investments in new terrestrial fiber cable systems. These efforts aim to ease rising pressure on subsea cables passing through the Red Sea—one of the world’s most congested and geopolitically sensitive data routes.
Ooredoo announced plans to invest $500 million in new terrestrial fiber connections stretching from Oman through Iraq and Turkey and onwards to France. According to Qatar News Agency, the initiative will provide an alternative land-based route linking the Arabian Peninsula to Europe, strengthening the reliability of international data flows.
Parallel discussions are underway as Saudi Arabia and Syria explore similar terrestrial systems that would also connect the region directly to Europe via secure overland pathways. These projects reflect a broader modernization push to create diversified routes that reduce dependence on vulnerable undersea cables.
Speaking to DW, Ayad Al-Ani emphasized the significance of selecting Iraq and Syria as transit countries. He noted that their inclusion signals renewed investor confidence and will integrate both states more deeply into global data networks—an outcome that could stimulate local digital economies and wider economic development.
Collectively, these initiatives position the Gulf as an emerging global data hub, improving resilience, expanding digital trade, and reinforcing the region’s role in the future of international connectivity.
Source: https://meatechwatch.com/2025/12/04/gulf-region-advances-plans-to-become-a-global-digital-data-hub/
