The reason I'd highlighted Chinese telcos particularly, was an experience of my ex-wife who worked with a well known Western telecoms provider. She was out in the middle east (not Dubai though) to pitch for some 5G backbone business a while back.
Anyway, when she flew in, there were a couple of Chinese guys in arrivals who were pointing a camera her direction and seemingly taking her photo. No biggie, she thought, and just thought it some weird coincidence.
However, the next morning she left her room early to use the hotel gym, but doubled back upon forgetting her headphones and spotted the same Chinese guys outside her hotel room door trying to jam something in the lock.
Nah, that's just an anecdotal incident you're extrapolating for the rest of the Middle East. And speaks more about Chinese business (espionage) culture.
As for telcos using Chinese equipment, nearly every country outside the US, CANZUK, Japan,SK, India and EU use Chinese equipment.
Anyway, when she flew in, there were a couple of Chinese guys in arrivals who were pointing a camera her direction and seemingly taking her photo. No biggie, she thought, and just thought it some weird coincidence.
However, the next morning she left her room early to use the hotel gym, but doubled back upon forgetting her headphones and spotted the same Chinese guys outside her hotel room door trying to jam something in the lock.