How are we ensuring adequate connectivity to key data centre hubs?

10 Feb 2026
Capacity Stage
Capacity Middle East , Datacloud Middle East
With a spate of recent announcements of new data centre hubs and rapid expansion of existing sites, such as Damman or Sharjah, providing diverse high-capacity connectivity is essential to unlocking the value of these sites. 
  • How are the connectivity requirements of hyperscalers and other data centre tenants evolving?
  • Do permitting and survey requirements for new subsea projects risk creating delays in connecting emerging data hubs? And how can we overcome these challenges?
  • As the scale of data centres and their power densities expands is current fibre technology adequate to meet capacity demands?
Chairperson
Mai Barakat
Mai Barakat, Datacenters and Power Senior Analyst - S&P Global
Speakers
Brenden  Rawle
Brenden Rawle, Senior Director for Business Development - EQUINIX
Mahesh Jaishankar
Mahesh Jaishankar, Managing Director - CMC NETWORKS
Maxime Anne-Archard
Maxime Anne-Archard, Vice President, Digital Infrastructure Development - ORANGE WHOLESALE INTERNATIONAL
Omar Alsaied
Omar Alsaied, GM, Business Development - CIENA
Ambrogio Michetti
Ambrogio Michetti, Chief Corporate & Revenue Officer - SPARKLE