What caused the UAE internet disruption?
The recent slowdown was linked to failures affecting the SMW4 and IMEWE cable systems near Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. These undersea cables are critical for connecting Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
While the exact cause of the cable cuts is still unclear, undersea cables can be accidentally damaged by ship anchors or become targets of deliberate attacks, raising concerns across the region.
Microsoft also noted that parts of the Middle East “may experience increased latency due to undersea fiber cuts in the Red Sea,” while traffic not routed through the region remained unaffected.
Starlink and satellite internet in the Middle East
How Starlink could support the UAE
Satellite internet offers coverage where fiber can’t reach. During undersea cable disruptions, Starlink could serve as a backup to maintain connectivity. Examples from other countries include:
Tonga: Undersea cable damage in 2022 and 2024 forced reliance on satellite links, including Starlink.
South Africa: Multiple cable damages caused widespread outages, while Starlink users stayed connected.
However, satellite services are not without their own vulnerabilities. In July 2025, Starlink experienced a two-and-a-half-hour global outage affecting thousands of users.