UAE Internet Slowdown Continues After Red Sea Cable Damage
Sep 8, 2025 – UAE internet users continue to experience slow speeds after damage to a key submarine cable in the Red Sea. Telecom operators e& and du reported that traffic is being rerouted, causing ongoing disruptions across the UAE, parts of the Middle East, and South Asia.
Engineers are working to repair the cable, but full restoration may take several months. Providers warn that internet performance could fluctuate as rerouting capacity is limited.
Current Impact
- Browsing and streaming remain slower than normal
- Video calls and online meetings may experience delays
- Businesses relying on cloud services face temporary performance issues
Telecom Updates
- e& confirms rerouting is in place and partial improvements are visible
- du reports engineers are assessing damage and coordinating international repair teams
- Both providers urge users to limit high-bandwidth activities where possible
What Users Can Do
- Use offline tools and applications when possible
- Schedule large downloads during off-peak hours
- Monitor provider updates for service restoration timelines
Regional Snapshot
| Date | Region | Internet Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 7 | UAE | Slow | Initial cable damage reported |
| Sep 8 | UAE | Partial recovery | Traffic rerouted |
| Sep 8 | Middle East & South Asia | Slow | Indirect impact from rerouting |
Expert Insight
Submarine cables carry over 95% of international internet traffic. Damage often leads to long outages, and full repair may take weeks to months. Analysts note that regional rerouting reduces speed but prevents total disconnection.
