Starlink has officially launched its satellite internet service in the United Arab Emirates, days after securing a 10-year licence from the country’s telecommunications regulator.
The company announced the launch on Thursday, September 3, confirming that its high-speed, low-latency internet service is now available in the UAE.
The launch follows approval by the UAE’s Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), which granted Starlink Satellite Communications LLC a 10-year General Space Services License on August 28.
The licence permits Starlink to establish and operate a public satellite communications network and provide broadband satellite internet services across the country.
The service will be available to consumers, businesses and government agencies, as well as users in the maritime and aviation sectors.
According to the TDRA, Starlink’s satellite network will complement the UAE’s existing fibre-optic and 5G infrastructure while expanding connectivity options and improving the resilience of the country’s communications network.
The regulator said the service could be particularly valuable in sectors such as aviation, maritime transport, energy, logistics and emergency response, where dependable connectivity is critical.
Starlink will operate under UAE regulations covering areas including security, data privacy, service quality, reliability, consumer protection and spectrum use.
The UAE becomes the latest country to gain commercial access to Starlink’s low-Earth-orbit satellite network as the company continues its global expansion.
The launch also marks a significant step for satellite broadband in a country already known for its advanced telecommunications infrastructure, with Starlink offering an additional connectivity option alongside established fibre and 5G networks.
