SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service is rapidly expanding across the Gulf, positioning itself as a key player in the region’s digital transformation while raising questions about sovereignty and competition.
Since launching in late 2020, Starlink has grown globally, with Oman becoming the first GCC nation to offer services in March 2025, followed by Bahrain in May. Qatar has adopted the technology for aviation, with Qatar Airways outfitting its fleet with high-speed Wi-Fi. Saudi Arabia recently approved Starlink for maritime and aviation use, while the UAE has leveraged it in humanitarian aid and is exploring partnerships in aviation and maritime industries.
The Gulf’s interest in satellite internet reflects not only its push for economic diversification and digital infrastructure but also the vulnerabilities of undersea fiber-optic cables, which handle 99% of global internet traffic. Recent disruptions in the Red Sea underscored the risks of relying solely on submarine cables for global connectivity.
Starlink offers fast, cost-effective access in remote or underserved areas, but its control by a private company raises concerns about national oversight. Governments worry about dependence on Elon Musk’s ventures, especially amid geopolitical tensions and his recent disputes with U.S. leadership.
Still, with next-generation satellites promising fiber-like speeds at lower costs, Gulf states see Starlink as both an opportunity and a challenge. Most are cautiously integrating it into strategic sectors such as aviation, maritime, and humanitarian operations, while continuing to build their own digital capacities.