Dubai and Riyadh luxury hotels set high-speed Wi-fi records
Luxury hotels in Riyadh and Dubai have some of the fastest Wi-Fi networks in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), according to new research by Ookla.
The research, based on Speedtest Intelligence data, assessed Wi-Fi performance at 22 top-rated five-star hotels and resorts across the region, identifying exceptional performers and highlighting regional trends in digital connectivity.
As travellers increasingly rely on high-speed internet, hotels that prioritise Wi-Fi infrastructure can significantly enhance guest satisfaction and loyalty.
Dubai and Riyadh hotel Wi-Fi
The analysis, based on data from October 2023 to October 2024, categorised hotel Wi-Fi performance into three tiers.
Top performers encompassed hotels with a median download speed exceeding 100 Mbps, capable of supporting multiple 4K streams, ultra-fast downloads, and lag-free video conferencing.
Four Seasons in Riyadh, Raffles the Palm, and Jumeirah Mina Al Salam, both in Dubai, top the list with median download speeds of 154.75 Mbps, 122.82 Mbps, and 121.35 Mbps, respectively.
The second group, which were good performers, included hotels with a median download speed between 50 Mbps and 100 Mbps.
Download speeds ranged from just over 50 Mbps at Raffles and Fairmont in Doha to 93.70 Mbps at Rixos Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt.
Other notable properties in this group include Burj Al Arab and the Royal Atlantis in Dubai, as well as other hotels in Muscat and Marrakesh.
Performance laggards include hotels and resorts with a median download speed below 50 Mbps. More than 45 per cent of the properties reviewed fall under this category.
While suitable for single high definition to 4K streaming, this speed has potential limitations, particularly during peak usage.
Notably, a few five-star hotels in Abu Dhabi and Muscat had a median download speed below 15 Mbps.
Karim Yaici, Lead Industry Analyst for the Middle East and Africa at Ookla, said: 'To assess Wi-Fi performance, we benchmarked median download speeds inside and around the properties over one year.
'This allowed us to evaluate network performance and stability across hotels with varying occupancy levels and guest profiles. We focused on the most commonly used guest Wi-Fi networks and excluded those specific to events like sporting competitions'.
While Gulf countries generally have high-speed internet infrastructure and top the Speedtest Global Index, the subpar performance of some hotels in the region suggests potential issues with Wi-Fi configurations, and not with the capacity of the broadband connection.
Yaici said: 'The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the demand for seamless internet access, with tourists and business travellers expecting high-speed Wi-Fi for work and leisure.
'In line with this, cities such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi have significantly invested in their network infrastructure to meet these elevated expectations of digital nomads and professionals'.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arabian Post
21 hours ago
- Arabian Post
From petrostate to deal state: Gulf IPO markets mature
Maein Khalid Since the pandemic, IPO activity across GCC capital markets has surged – offering a sharp contrast to the stop-start pace on New York's Nasdaq and the near standstill on London's LSE. Nearly 300 IPOs have raised around $50 billion across the Gulf since 2021. ADVERTISEMENT Below I outline six key macro themes shaping this post-Covid IPO boom in the GCC. First, contrary to expectations, the number, size and aftermarket performance of IPOs in the GCC have shown little correlation with oil prices. Since 2021 Brent crude has swung wildly, yet IPO momentum has remained resilient, even in hydrocarbons-heavy markets like Saudi Arabia. Second, the sheer variety of sectors that contributed to regional IPO deals demonstrates that non-oil growth, industry deregulation, private sector entrepreneurship and e-commerce are powerful macro themes in the Gulf. The two largest IPOs in the GCC last year were the $2 billion food delivery app Talabat's IPO, listed in Dubai's DFM, and the $1.8 billion Lulu hypermarket, a 50-year-old family-owned grocery chain listed on Abu Dhabi's ADX. ADVERTISEMENT Last year saw 48 IPOs from sectors as varied as grocery chains, software and IT services, e-commerce, education, healthcare, financial services, remittance solutions, leisure, transportation and real estate. Third, Saudi Arabian deal flow both dominated the IPO pipeline and dramatically outperformed its GCC peers in aftermarket trading. For instance, 38 out of the 48 deals in the GCC that raised $12.06 billion in 2024 originated from the kingdom, and the average aftermarket performance in the week following the IPO was a spectacular 45 percent. The kingdom's first three IPOs on the main market this year all went 'limit up', surging on their first day of trading by the maximum 30 percent allowed. It is no mistake that the first aviation IPO in the region in almost two decades – Flynas is seeking to raise $1.1 billion – is taking place in the kingdom. This is a testament to both the vast liquidity available in the Saudi new issue market and the magnetic power of the kingdom's junior exchange, Nomu, which saw 27 companies listed in 2024 alone. New listings on Nomu are typically domestic Saudi firms operating in high-growth sectors tied to the kingdom's digital transformation – highlighting a clear link between rising tech literacy among its youthful population and a growing appetite for high-risk, high-reward IPOs. Fourth, the GCC IPO constellation is dominated by Saudi Arabia and the UAE, with Oman a distant third. Saudi Arabia's 38 IPOs in 2024 dwarfed seven from the UAE, two from Oman and a solitary flotation in Kuwait. This spectacular asymmetry in the national origin of IPOs reflects the vast differences in the capital markets milieu, investor ecosystems and liquidity preferences among the six GCC states. Fifth, the recent IPO boom has attracted global investor interest in the Gulf's emerging capital markets, as sovereign wealth funds from the region have become a significant force in Wall Street and Silicon Valley deal-making. This trend will both broaden and deepen the GCC capital markets, evidencing that they are no longer an illiquid sideshow in the emerging markets universe. Historically the GCC IPO landscape was dominated by state-led privatisations and secondary offerings, with governments selling minority stakes in national champions. The most iconic example remains the 2019 Saudi Aramco listing – still the largest IPO in history – which raised $25.6 billion by selling just 1.5 percent of the company on Riyadh's Tadawul exchange. But the market has since evolved, moving beyond oil giants and into broader, more diversified territory. Saudi Aramco subsequently raised $12 billion in a secondary offering last year. These mega deals played a crucial role in the development of the kingdom's capital markets infrastructure and set the stage for the current bullish IPO environment. The UAE's role as the most diversified, cosmopolitan and networked economy in the Arab world can be gauged by the fact that it contributed to the two largest IPOs of 2024 – both private sector businesses with no connection to oil and gas or the government. The 2025 IPO of Bahrain-based Investcorp Capital marked a milestone for the region – positioning Abu Dhabi where it listed not just as an oil-rich emirate, but as a rising power in global finance. By listing a world-class alternative investment manager on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, the UAE has shown it is no longer just deploying capital abroad – it's building the infrastructure to manage it at home. As a growing nexus for hedge funds and private capital, Abu Dhabi is fast becoming a noodle point in the global alternatives ecosystem. Mixed IPO outlook I predict the Saudi Arabian sovereign wealth fund PIF will midwife the next generation of privatisation IPOs in the kingdom, as it did with Saudi Aramco in 2019. But while the IPO market outperformance and the sheer scale of domestic liquidity flows make mega privatisation listings viable, the same cannot be said for smaller GCC states like Oman and Bahrain. Facing tighter fiscal constraints, their private investor base tends to favour quasi-debt, high-yield instruments issued by state-owned blue-chips over equity exposure. The sale of a 25 percent stake in OQ Gas Networks by Oman's state energy company suggests that it is problematic to engineer an IPO or even a state-owned energy colossus when oil prices are mired in a bearish downtrend. While the IPO marked a milestone for the Muscat bourse, it also revealed the limitations of investor appetite when crude prices are under pressure. Unlike Saudi Arabia's liquidity-fuelled listings, Oman's experience shows that timing – and broader market sentiment – can still make or break even the most strategic flotations. Also published on Medium. Notice an issue? Arabian Post strives to deliver the most accurate and reliable information to its readers. If you believe you have identified an error or inconsistency in this article, please don't hesitate to contact our editorial team at editor[at]thearabianpost[dot]com. We are committed to promptly addressing any concerns and ensuring the highest level of journalistic integrity.
Arabian Post
2 days ago
- Arabian Post
Middle East Debt Surges as External Influence Deepens
The debt burden across the Middle East and North Africa has escalated markedly over the last decade, with many governments relying heavily on borrowing to sustain public spending amid economic challenges. This growing fiscal strain, combined with an increasing dependence on external donor funding, has amplified the influence of foreign actors on both domestic policies and regional geopolitics, raising concerns about the long-term economic sovereignty of these states. State borrowing in the MENA region has expanded substantially due to a combination of declining oil revenues, rising public expenditures, and the economic fallout from global disruptions. Countries that historically relied on hydrocarbon wealth to finance budgets have faced persistent pressures to diversify revenue sources, but with uneven success. The persistence of conflict, political instability, and the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have exacerbated fiscal deficits, pushing governments to turn to international lenders and multilateral institutions more frequently. The Gulf Cooperation Council members, traditionally seen as relatively debt-resilient, have witnessed a gradual uptick in sovereign borrowing. For instance, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have issued substantial sovereign bonds in international markets to fund large infrastructure projects under their economic diversification agendas. Nonetheless, their debt-to-GDP ratios remain relatively contained compared to other MENA nations. Meanwhile, countries like Egypt, Jordan, and Lebanon have accumulated debt at levels that alarm economists and credit rating agencies. Egypt's public debt has exceeded 90% of GDP, while Lebanon remains mired in a sovereign debt crisis, with its economy contracting sharply and international lenders demanding stringent reforms. ADVERTISEMENT The rise in borrowing often comes with conditions attached by international creditors, including the International Monetary Fund and World Bank, as well as bilateral donors such as the European Union, the United States, and Gulf allies. These conditions frequently mandate structural reforms, austerity measures, and adjustments in subsidy programmes that affect large segments of the population. Such fiscal tightening has stirred public discontent and occasionally sparked protests, underscoring the delicate balance governments must strike between fiscal responsibility and social stability. The reliance on donor funding has widened the scope for foreign influence in national decision-making. Some nations find themselves aligning their foreign policies to appease key donors, ensuring continued financial assistance. This alignment manifests in diplomatic stances, regional alliances, and participation in international coalitions, sometimes at odds with local priorities or public opinion. For example, the strategic partnerships between Gulf states and Western powers have intensified, with financial aid often linked to military cooperation or counterterrorism initiatives. Beyond geopolitics, the conditionality of donor funding can limit the policy options available to governments, constraining economic strategies and reform agendas. This external pressure has raised questions about sovereignty and the capacity of states to chart independent development paths. Economists warn that a cycle of debt dependence could undermine the very economic growth that these countries seek, trapping them in a cycle of borrowing and reform fatigue. The structural challenges that fuel debt accumulation in MENA are multifaceted. Demographic pressures, with a large youth population entering the job market, heighten the demand for public services and employment opportunities. However, the private sector remains underdeveloped in many countries, unable to absorb the expanding labour force or generate sufficient revenue to alleviate public finances. High unemployment rates and income disparities compound the strain on state budgets, forcing governments to maintain subsidies on essentials such as fuel, electricity, and food, which constitute significant fiscal burdens. Energy transition trends and volatile global markets further complicate the fiscal landscape. The drive towards renewable energy and reduced reliance on fossil fuels threatens to erode the traditional income bases of hydrocarbon-exporting countries. While some Gulf states have embraced ambitious clean energy projects and economic diversification, the transition carries upfront costs that add to borrowing needs. Non-GCC nations that rely on oil and gas revenues for budgetary support face more acute vulnerabilities, with fluctuating commodity prices directly impacting their fiscal stability. ADVERTISEMENT Policy experts advocate for enhanced fiscal reforms focused on broadening the tax base, improving public financial management, and fostering private sector growth. Greater regional cooperation on debt restructuring and coordinated economic policies could also alleviate pressures. Yet, political instability and entrenched governance challenges hamper implementation efforts in several countries. Transparency and accountability deficits remain a significant obstacle to efficient debt management and the effective use of external funds. International financial institutions have called for a balanced approach to lending and aid, one that supports immediate fiscal needs while promoting sustainable development. This includes encouraging greater domestic resource mobilisation and reducing reliance on donor funding in the medium term. Failure to address these issues risks escalating debt distress and diminished policy autonomy, with potentially destabilising repercussions for the entire region.
Dubai Eye
2 days ago
- Dubai Eye
Gamers line up for Nintendo Switch 2 on launch day
Gaming fans queued up for the launch of Nintendo's Switch 2 on Thursday amid pent-up demand for the more powerful next-generation gaming device. "The level of demand seems to be sky-high," said Serkan Toto, founder of the Kantan Games consultancy. In the Ikebukuro shopping district of Tokyo, dozens of successful applicants to a sales lottery by electronics retailer Bic Camera lined up before the store opened to collect their devices. "I feel like I'm going to cry," Yumi Ohi, a 30-year-old delivery contractor, told Reuters. Ohi had missed out in other lotteries and had come from Saitama prefecture, adjacent to Tokyo, to receive her Switch 2. Nintendo has sold 152 million Switch home-portable devices since launching in 2017. It became a games juggernaut with titles, including two The Legend of Zelda titles and COVID-19 pandemic breakout hit Animal Crossing: New Horizons. The Switch 2 bears many similarities with its predecessor but offers a larger screen and improved graphics and debuts with titles including Mario Kart World. "The much larger audience of Switch users should translate to stronger adoption in the opening part of its lifecycle," said Piers Harding-Rolls, an analyst at Ampere Analysis. "Nintendo is better prepared this time around" to deal with the high demand, he said. The launch of the $499.99 Switch 2 is a test of Nintendo's supply chain management during US President Donald Trump's trade war. Nintendo last month forecast sales of 15 million Switch 2 units during the current financial year, as well as 4.5 million Switch units. President Shuntaro Furukawa said Nintendo will strengthen production capacity to respond to strong demand and focus on sales promotion in an effort to exceed the forecast. "Given it's a special occasion, I wanted to buy (the Switch 2) right away on its release date," said Shinichi Sekiguchi, a hotel receptionist in his thirties. Nintendo said it received 2.2 million applications for its Switch 2 sales lottery on its My Nintendo Store in Japan. Pre-orders at Target sold out in less than two hours. "You are looking at weeks or months until you can walk into a store and buy a Switch 2," said Toto of Kantan Games. Investor expectations for the new device are similarly lofty. Nintendo's shares, which closed down 2 per cent in Tokyo, have gained 28 per cent this year. Concerns include whether momentum for the Switch 2 will be sustained after hardcore gamers have upgraded. "The volume of first-party games on offer at launch isn't as strong as it could be, so some more casual users may wait and see how the games available build over the next one to two years before making the leap," said Ampere's Harding-Rolls. Ampere forecasts Switch 2 sales to exceed 100 million units in 2030. Mario Kart World has a US sticker price of $79.99, generating debate over the price of games. Nintendo is also attracting third-party titles to the system. "I've been around since the era of the Super Nintendo Entertainment System and games from (that period) were expensive too so I think it's somewhat within the acceptable range," said Akitomo Takahashi, a salesman in his forties.
