UAEGOV / TDRA
The United Arab Emirates’ Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority granted Starlink a 10-year General Satellite Services Licence on August 28, putting SpaceX’s satellite broadband on a formal public-network footing across the country.
The official UAEGOV account wrote that TDRA grants Starlink licence to provide satellite internet services in the UAE. The attached government graphic names the 10-year General Satellite Services Licence, authorising Starlink to establish, operate, and manage a public satellite telecommunications network and sell satellite broadband in the UAE under approved regulatory and technical frameworks.
That paper adds a satellite layer beside the country’s fibre-optic and 5G networks. Services will cover individuals, businesses, and government entities, plus maritime and aviation links. TDRA said the licence is meant to widen connectivity options, harden digital infrastructure, and support emergency response while keeping security, reliability, and consumer-rights rules in place.
The National reported that deputy director general Eng. Mohammed Yousif Al Ramsi said Starlink will operate within those established frameworks, balancing connectivity and network security. The same paper said the licence formalises Starlink as a regulated telecoms provider, not a third mobile operator like e& or du. Residential service advertised on the company’s site now starts at Dh300 a month, with the standard kit at Dh1,465 and Dubai and Abu Dhabi listed at capacity. A June 2024 TDRA licence was limited to maritime satellite internet. The UAE already tapped Starlink for a global digital-school mission, while commercial Starlink in India stays frozen on security clearances.
