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.
Saturday's schedule at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
GP3 race, 12:30pm
Formula 1 final practice, 2pm
Formula 1 qualifying, 5pm
Formula 2 race, 6:40pm
Performance: Sam Smith
Wicked: For Good
Director: Jon M Chu
Starring: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Ethan Slater
Rating: 4/5
Mobile phone packages comparison
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
What drives subscription retailing?
Once the domain of newspaper home deliveries, subscription model retailing has combined with e-commerce to permeate myriad products and services.
The concept has grown tremendously around the world and is forecast to thrive further, according to UnivDatos Market Insights’ report on recent and predicted trends in the sector.
The global subscription e-commerce market was valued at $13.2 billion (Dh48.5bn) in 2018. It is forecast to touch $478.2bn in 2025, and include the entertainment, fitness, food, cosmetics, baby care and fashion sectors.
The report says subscription-based services currently constitute “a small trend within e-commerce”. The US hosts almost 70 per cent of recurring plan firms, including leaders Dollar Shave Club, Hello Fresh and Netflix. Walmart and Sephora are among longer established retailers entering the space.
UnivDatos cites younger and affluent urbanites as prime subscription targets, with women currently the largest share of end-users.
That’s expected to remain unchanged until 2025, when women will represent a $246.6bn market share, owing to increasing numbers of start-ups targeting women.
Personal care and beauty occupy the largest chunk of the worldwide subscription e-commerce market, with changing lifestyles, work schedules, customisation and convenience among the chief future drivers.
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
Liverpool's all-time goalscorers
Ian Rush 346
Roger Hunt 285
Mohamed Salah 250
Gordon Hodgson 241
Billy Liddell 228
HUNGARIAN GRAND PRIX RESULT
1. Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari 1:39:46.713
2. Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari 00:00.908
3. Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes-GP 00:12.462
4. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes-GP 00:12.885
5. Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing 00:13.276
6. Fernando Alonso, McLaren 01:11.223
7. Carlos Sainz Jr, Toro Rosso 1 lap
8. Sergio Perez, Force India 1 lap
9. Esteban Ocon, Force India 1 lap
10. Stoffel Vandoorne, McLaren 1 lap
11. Daniil Kvyat, Toro Rosso 1 lap
12. Jolyon Palmer, Renault 1 lap
13. Kevin Magnussen, Haas 1 lap
14. Lance Stroll, Williams 1 lap
15. Pascal Wehrlein, Sauber 2 laps
16. Marcus Ericsson, Sauber 2 laps
17r. Nico Huelkenberg, Renault 3 laps
r. Paul Di Resta, Williams 10 laps
r. Romain Grosjean, Haas 50 laps
r. Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull Racing 70 laps
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Biog
Mr Kandhari is legally authorised to conduct marriages in the gurdwara
He has officiated weddings of Sikhs and people of different faiths from Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Russia, the US and Canada
Father of two sons, grandfather of six
Plays golf once a week
Enjoys trying new holiday destinations with his wife and family
Walks for an hour every morning
Completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Loyola College, Chennai, India
2019 is a milestone because he completes 50 years in business
If you go
The flights
There are various ways of getting to the southern Serengeti in Tanzania from the UAE. The exact route and airstrip depends on your overall trip itinerary and which camp you’re staying at.
Flydubai flies direct from Dubai to Kilimanjaro International Airport from Dh1,350 return, including taxes; this can be followed by a short flight from Kilimanjaro to the Serengeti with Coastal Aviation from about US$700 (Dh2,500) return, including taxes. Kenya Airways, Emirates and Etihad offer flights via Nairobi or Dar es Salaam.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
