Peter Cowan · · 5 min readGulf data centers in the crosshairs
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In focus
- Data centers in the firing line
- Singapore’s Stryv acquires a water purifier brand in consolidation move
- A look back into our archives at the Middle Eastern investors backing Asian tech
Hello reader,
Slowly but surely, the second-order effects of the war in the Middle East are spreading across the world.
Here in Hanoi, we can see them at the gas stations. With the flow of crude oil from the region disrupted, gas prices are up, and the lines at the pumps are packed as people rush to fill up.
Flights are also affected, and I’m wondering how feasible it will be to fly back home to Ireland this summer on the usual route via the Middle East.
Today’s first featured story looks at another ripple effect from the conflict: the vulnerability of the Gulf’s rapidly expanding AI and data center infrastructure.
Guest writer Alex Malouf explores the region’s data center build-up, which is now exposed to geopolitical risk. As he outlines, the options for reducing that risk aren’t great, from pricey underground construction to building in defensive capabilities.
That said, this second-order effect could be a boon for other regions like Southeast Asia, which may prove a safer bet for future data center construction.
We started this note on the topic of oil. Now it’s time to talk about that other essential liquid: water.
My colleague Elyssa reports on Singapore-based consumer electronics startup Stryv’s acquisition of home appliance brand Sterra, which is best known for its air and water purifiers.
The deal is another example of how consumer brands in Asia are consolidating as they look to scale faster.
Peter Cowan, engagement editor
Top Stories
1️⃣ War exposes new risks for the Gulf’s AI infrastructure push
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