UAE satellite operator Yahsat plans to expand its fleet and put a new satellite in orbit by 2024 to boost its broadband operations.
The T4 satellite will be used for government and commercial purposes, said Eisa Al Shamsi, deputy general manager of Yahsat government solutions, on the sidelines of the International Defence Exhibition in Abu Dhabi.
It will offer “L-band services" that are more advanced than the technology in other Yahsat satellites.
Yahsat has been already been playing a significant role in space technology
The satellite operator, which is owned by Mubadala Investment Company, currently has five satellites – AY 1, AY 2, AY3, T2 and T3.
Yahsat signed a Dh2 billion ($544 million) agreement last year with Airbus to develop the T4 satellite.
The UAE has been stepping up its investment in space technology as it reduces its economic reliance on oil.
It became the fifth country in the world to successfully put a satellite, the Hope probe, into Mars' orbit this month after a seven-month journey.
“Yahsat has been already been playing a significant role in space technology,” said Mr Al Shamsi.
He expects the recent deal with the Tawazun Economic Council to improve the company’s space industry prospects.
Yahsat signed an agreement with the economic council on Tuesday to nurture “critical in-country capabilities” for the development of advanced Satcom solutions within the UAE.
The deal will help in “bringing the know-how and ... the knowledge” in satellite communications technology that will strengthen the company’s position.
Yahsat is also collaborating with Khalifa University on the launch of the new satellites.
"We managed to launch Mysat 1, which was developed by students of Khalifa University, and there is DhabiSat, which was launched on February 21 using the Yahsat lab we have."
Yahsat offers integrated satellite communications to more than 190 countries in Africa, Asia, Australasia, Europe, the Middle East and South America.
Its main customers include the UAE government and defence forces.
The company also signed two separate deals on Wednesday with UAE military vehicle maker Nimr and US-based L3 Harris Technologies to provide satellite communication services and improve its market position.
“We are reaffirming our commitment to government customers struggling to gain access to line-fit COTM [Communications-on-the-Move] satellite solutions, combat systems and sensors, which are pre-qualified and ready for [use] on vehicular systems,” the company said.
Mr Al Shamsi said Yahsat's plans to list were subject to the approval of its shareholder.
“As a Mubadala Investment Company, it eventually goes back to them how they manage their assets," he said.
He said Yahsat's financial position was strong, given its growth, expansion and strong market portfolio.
The satellite operator appointed a new chairman and a chief executive early this month to take its expansion plans forward.
Musabbeh Al Kaabi, chief executive of Mubadala's UAE Investments' unit, was named board chairman while Ali Al Hashemi took over as chief executive.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Director: Mahdi Fleifel
Starring: Mahmoud Bakri, Aram Sabbah, Mohammad Alsurafa
Rating: 4.5/5
Our legal consultant
Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
When Umm Kulthum performed in Abu Dhabi
Known as The Lady of Arabic Song, Umm Kulthum performed in Abu Dhabi on November 28, 1971, as part of celebrations for the fifth anniversary of the accession of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan as Ruler of Abu Dhabi. A concert hall was constructed for the event on land that is now Al Nahyan Stadium, behind Al Wahda Mall. The audience were treated to many of Kulthum's most well-known songs as part of the sold-out show, including Aghadan Alqak and Enta Omri.
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MATCH INFO
What: India v Afghanistan, first Test
When: Starts Thursday
Where: M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengalaru
The specs: 2019 Audi A7 Sportback
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Engine: 3.0-litre V6
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Fuel economy 5.9L / 100km
Lexus LX700h specs
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
If you go...
Etihad flies daily from Abu Dhabi to Zurich, with fares starting from Dh2,807 return. Frequent high speed trains between Zurich and Vienna make stops at St. Anton.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Company profile
Name: Back to Games and Boardgame Space
Started: Back to Games (2015); Boardgame Space (Mark Azzam became co-founder in 2017)
Founder: Back to Games (Mr Azzam); Boardgame Space (Mr Azzam and Feras Al Bastaki)
Based: Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Industry: Back to Games (retail); Boardgame Space (wholesale and distribution)
Funding: Back to Games: self-funded by Mr Azzam with Dh1.3 million; Mr Azzam invested Dh250,000 in Boardgame Space
Growth: Back to Games: from 300 products in 2015 to 7,000 in 2019; Boardgame Space: from 34 games in 2017 to 3,500 in 2019
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
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- On sale: 2026
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The biog
Born: Kuwait in 1986
Family: She is the youngest of seven siblings
Time in the UAE: 10 years
Hobbies: audiobooks and fitness: she works out every day, enjoying kickboxing and basketball
Founder: Ayman Badawi
Date started: Test product September 2016, paid launch January 2017
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Software
Size: Seven employees
Funding: $170,000 in angel investment
Funders: friends
