FEATURE
FROM FOLLOWER TO LEADER: How The Middle East Is Shaping The Future Of Global Connectivity BY BRENDAN PRESS
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n the telecommunications industry, for a period, it was believed that the Middle East was playing a game of catch-up with other international markets. However, it’s fair to say that the region is now a key player in the global connectivity landscape. A decade of dramatic economic growth has placed incredible demand on digital services, with digitally empowered citizens expecting high speed and quality connectivity. In response, cable providers have invested in their networks and diversified their routes through the region. Some of the world’s largest hyperscalers are even laying down their own infrastructure to future-proof operations. Content enablers situated in and around these regions are investing in new points of presence (PoP) to open opportunities to the rest of the world too.
The Middle East is and will continue to be a unique and exciting place to do business. For the players who want to get a piece of the pie, there are important points of difference to understand and implement. From evolving business models to supply chains, ultimately, it’s prioritising partnerships and collaboration that will be the winning formula.
A UNIQUE CROSSROADS
Geographically, the Middle East occupies a strategic position between East and West, making it an essential hub for global data flows. This unique advantage has long attracted investments in submarine cables and terrestrial networks to bolster international connectivity. Today, countries such as the UAE and Qatar are not just transit hubs but innovation epicenters. With high-speed links spanning JANUARY 2025 | ISSUE 140
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