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UAE grants 10-year licence to Musk's Starlink for satellite internet services

The Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) has granted Starlink Satellite Communications LLC a 10-year General Space Services License, authorising the company to establish, operate, and manage a public satellite communications network and provide broadband satellite internet services in the UAE. The introduction of advanced satellite internet services will expand connectivity options, enhance network.

Khaleej Times · Technology28 August 2026 at 12:06 PM GST2 evidence links

GovTech UAE

Source-linked signal

Impact98Potential ecosystem significance

Evidence100High confidence

Evidence stateMultiple independent sources (2)Supported by 2 sources

Latest evidence-backed change

Regulator or authority update

Khaleej Times · Technology added an official policy, regulatory or procurement development.

Updated 28 August 2026 at 11:41 PM GSTOriginally published 28 August 2026 at 12:06 PM GST

What happened

The scope of the license extends beyond individual consumers to include businesses and government entities, as well as satellite connectivity services for the maritime and aviation sectors, in accordance with the UAE’s approved regulatory and technical frameworks.

Why it matters

The introduction of advanced satellite internet services will expand connectivity options, enhance network resilience and business continuity, and support the UAE’s ambition to strengthen its position as a regional and global hub for telecommunications and the digital economy.

Evidence base

Pulse provides an original intelligence layer. The underlying reporting remains available for verification and full context.

Khaleej Times · TechnologyUAE grants 10-year licence to Musk's Starlink for satellite internet servicesOpen source ↗Gulf Today · UAE Business & Technology

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