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Dh500m ‘SmartSat’ to Launch First Private Satellite in MENA

DUBAI - An alliance of Jordanian and Kuwaiti companies has launched a Dh500 million firm, which will be the MENA region’s first private company specialised in the satellite industry.

The new UAE-based company has been named ‘SmartSat’ and will be headquartered in Dubai Studio City. SmartSat will leverage the expertise of a widely experienced executive board, led by Chairman and Managing Director Khaled Derbas, who is a renowned pioneer in delivering Internet services using satellite technology to consumers in the region.

Speaking to Khaleej Times, Khaled Derbas said: “SmartSat aims to become a leading global private satellite service provider and it is keen to provide high-quality services at competitive prices. Furthermore, it is also our goal to create an environment of healthy competition in the MENA, which will ultimately benefit all consumers in general and the satellite services sector in particular.”

“Being the first privately owned Arab company working in the satellite sector, SmartSat will contribute significantly to enhance and develop the satellite sector in the MENA region, as our entry is expected to create positive changes in terms of competitive prices, high-quality services and more options for customers,” Derbas said.

SmartSat will offer its new services by launching the Arab World’s first private satellite that will serve the MENA region. The company will thus contribute in the development of the quality of services for the region’s internet service providers (ISPs), GSM providers, broadband technology solutions providers, television stations, ministries of communication, military agencies and companies dealing with data systems among others.

SmartSat is a joint venture between Smartlink, the company that operates as a global broadband satellite services provider in the MENA and Eastern Europe regions with offices in Jordan and the UAE.

aneela@khaleejtimes.com