Thuraya

Thuraya is a Dubai-based mobile satellite services provider established in 1997 as the United Arab Emirates’ first national satellite operator. It operates as a subsidiary of Al Yah Satellite Communications Company (Yahsat), which is owned by Mubadala Investment Company, the investment arm of the Abu Dhabi government.

Thuraya specializes in satellite telecommunications, offering voice and data communication services primarily across Europe, Africa, Central Asia, the Middle East, and Asia, with its satellite network covering around two-thirds of the world's surface.

The company provides a variety of satellite-enabled products including satellite phones, broadband terminals, and tracking devices designed to function in remote and challenging environments where traditional cellular networks are unavailable.

Thuraya’s satellite fleet has included several geostationary satellites such as Thuraya 1, Thuraya 2, and Thuraya 3, with the latter covering extensive territories.

The company launched Thuraya 4-NGS, a next-generation satellite, in early 2025 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket to upgrade and expand its network capabilities. Thuraya’s technology combines reliability with ease of use, supporting voice calls, SMS, mobile data, and broadband connectivity among its features.

It also supports GSM roaming with agreements spanning hundreds of global networks, allowing customers to use their terrestrial SIM cards on Thuraya devices for seamless connectivity beyond typical coverage areas.

With a strong focus on serving sectors such as energy, maritime, government, and humanitarian aid, Thuraya plays a vital role in providing critical communication services worldwide.