- Collaboration will focus on the production of critical aeronautical, modem 
and other advanced satcom technologies in the UAE

- Aims to harness local knowledge, manufacturing capabilities and technology 
leadership to propel national industrialization efforts

- First 'seed project' to develop an advanced satellite modem and bespoke 
waveform for government and defense markets in the UAE and internationally

Tawazun Economic Council and the UAE's flagship satellite services operator, 
Yahsat, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a new 
company to develop critical in-country capabilities in relation to the 
development and manufacture of advanced satcom solutions within the UAE, with a 
focus on building intellectual property locally for increased national security 
and advanced technology development. 

The MoU confirming the planned collaboration was signed during IDEX 2021 by 
Eisa Al Shamsi, Deputy General Manager of Yahsat Government Solutions, and 
Matar Al Romaithi, Chief Economic Development Officer for Tawazun, in the 
presence of H.E. Tareq Al Hosani, Chief Executive Officer of Tawazun, Musabbeh 
Al Kaabi, Chairman of Yahsat and Masood M. Sharif Mahmood, Chief Executive 
Officer and Board Member of Yahsat.

Under the MoU, the new company will develop technologies and produce products 
around three main streams: Aeronautical Satcom Technologies, Satellite Modem 
Technologies and Enablement of other Satcom Products and Technologies. It will 
leverage the significant knowledge and expertise establishment in the UAE and 
will be complemented by select international experts to build a global leader 
in this sector. The first seed project entails the development of a protected, 
multi-platform satellite modem for government and defense markets in the UAE 
and internationally. 

Yahsat will play an integral role in ensuring that the new company's products 
meet the requirements of its government customers with a differentiated and 
targeted product strategy, enabling the UAE Government and other local and 
international users to address key technology development. It will source key 
product development capabilities from leading solution providers and 
manufacturers to lay the foundation for local production lines and integrated 
value chain management.

"Yahsat and Tawazun are playing a key role in accelerating the advancement of 
the satellite communications sector in the UAE, this collaboration is further 
testament to our country's position as a global pioneer across a number of high 
growth sectors. These partnerships are vital to the diversification of the 
UAE's economy, and we are committed to supporting our UAE Investments' 
portfolio companies as they contribute to our nation's sustainable growth," 
said Musabbeh Al Kaabi, Chairman of Yahsat.

CEO Tawazun, H.E. Tareq Abdulraheem Al Hosani said: "At Tawazun, we seek to 
reaffirm Abu Dhabi's position as a leading regional hub of strategic 
technologies and manufacturing. We are excited about the long-term prospects of 
our collaboration with Yahsat. In less than a decade since it launched its 
first satellite, Yahsat has grown to be one of the world's leading satellite 
enterprises, with an enviable track record of accomplishments that are a source 
of pride to all Emiratis. Our collaboration stands to gain tremendously from 
Yahsat's expertise and connections, spurring innovation and technology 
development within the UAE."

Ali Al Hashemi, Chief Executive Officer Designate of Yahsat added: "Yahsat has 
always served as a catalyst for the diversification of the UAE's economy. We 
have invested heavily in nation-building through our longstanding partnership 
with the UAE Armed Forces and various other initiatives, driving growth and new 
opportunities. In keeping with the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, we now look 
forward to commencing homegrown production of advanced communication 
technologies so that the UAE can achieve its national objectives with greater 
autonomy. We are grateful to our country's leadership and Tawazun for 
entrusting us with this opportunity to develop Emirati's to serve the growing 
space sector."

By developing bespoke solutions for critical national requirements, Tawazun and 
Yahsat expect to raise the bar for customer satisfaction, especially among key 
decision-makers in the UAE, GCC and beyond. Their mission is to capture value 
and establish the UAE as a producer of satellite-enabled defense communication 
technologies, entrenching its reputation as a sustainable and sovereign space 
economy.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1442926/Yahsat_Tawazun_MoU.jpg 
Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1442927/Yahsat_Logo.jpg

Source: Al Yah Satellite Communications Company (Yahsat)