Space 42: "Pleiades 4" Supports the transformation of satellite communications into an operational platform for vital sectors
Abu Dhabi, 7 May / WAM / Ali Al Hashemi, CEO of Space Services at Space 42, confirmed that the Thuraya 4 satellite supports the transformation of space communications from being a backup solution to an integrated operational platform for vital sectors, as it allows support for ships at sea, energy operations in remote areas, aviation networks, and field teams that need safe and immediate communication.
Al Hashemi told the Emirates News Agency, WAM, on the sidelines of “Made in the UAE 2026,” that secure and flexible communications have today become an essential part of the continuity of operations in complex environments, as it is no longer just a means of transmitting voice or data, but rather the structure that connects assets, teams, systems, and decision centers in vital sectors.
Al Hashemi added that sectors such as national security, energy, maritime services, aviation, relief, and health care increasingly depend on continuous communication to support decision-making and continuity of operations, noting that the importance of satellite communications is increasing with the complexities of operational environments resulting from geographical distance, climatic conditions, or lack of ground infrastructure.
He stressed that the importance of satellite communications becomes more apparent during periods of crises and natural disasters, when terrestrial networks may malfunction and entire communities are digitally isolated within hours, explaining that satellites in these cases represent an independent layer that ensures that response teams, government agencies, and vital sectors remain in contact.
He pointed out that the role of satellite communications in the UAE is not limited to providing coverage outside the scope of terrestrial networks, but rather extends to supporting national readiness and continuity of operations in circumstances where communications are more important.
He explained that Space 42 translates this concept into actual operational solutions by building a communication system that combines space assets, ground infrastructure, local partnerships, and operational products that serve the needs of users in vital sectors.
He said that the entry of the “Thuraya 4” satellite into the commercial readiness stage represents an important step in this path, noting that the company announced in November 2025 the global availability of the “Thuraya 4” new generation mobile communications system, which provides secure and reliable connectivity in more than 100 countries across Europe, Africa, Central Asia and the Middle East, and supports 16 new products for government and institutional customers.
He pointed out that the compatibility of the Thuraya 4 architecture with Internet of Things applications and direct communication to devices makes satellite communications services closer to daily use and more capable of serving the needs of governments and companies at the same time.
Regarding the company’s competitive advantage, Al-Hashemi explained that Space 42 combines a long operational legacy, sovereign capabilities, space infrastructure and partnerships that allow for scalable solutions, pointing out that the company, through Thuraya, has decades of experience in mobile communications services via satellite, in addition to important spectral capabilities and a wide presence in multiple markets.
He added that the company does not view the future of satellite communications as separate systems, but rather as more integrated with terrestrial networks and licensed communications providers.
He pointed out that Space 42’s priorities during the next phase are to expand space communications capabilities in a way that makes them more integrated with the needs of governments, companies, communications providers, and vital sectors, by enhancing the benefit of the commercial readiness of “Thuraya 4” and expanding products and services directed to governmental, institutional, maritime, aviation, energy sectors, and field operations.
He added that the company is also focusing on developing more efficient models for shared infrastructure through Equitis, and on expanding the direct communication path to devices and the Internet of Things, making satellite communications a natural part of the daily communication system and not a separate option only for exceptional cases.
He stressed that the partnership with licensed telecommunications providers in the country remains a key priority, because the future of communication depends on the integration of terrestrial and satellite networks within one smooth and secure experience that is compatible with regulatory frameworks and requirements for security, privacy and quality of service.
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