IEC Telecom, a leader in global satellite communications solutions, announces its participation in the upcoming Dubai International Humanitarian Aid & Development Conference & Exhibition (DIHAD) 2024. Hosted at the Dubai World Trade Centre, this event serves as a critical platform for discussing sustainable humanitarian responses to global challenges. In 2023, natural disasters led to a staggering $250 billion in global losses, highlighting the urgent need for robust and responsive communication systems. With geopolitical tensions on the rise, the role of satellite communications (satcom) in humanitarian efforts has become increasingly critical. Satcom technologies are essential for enhancing operational efficiency, ensuring safety, and expanding the reach of humanitarian services, particularly in isolated and conflict-affected regions. Satcom enables more effective coordination of humanitarian missions, directly contributing to increased operational efficiency and the possibility to optimise costs. This efficiency is crucial in mobilizing resources swiftly and effectively, where every minute can save lives. Additionally, the safety of humanitarian staff is of utmost importance, and satcom plays a pivotal role by providing reliable communication lines, essential for emergency responses and routine operations alike.  Moreover, satellite technology expands the scope of humanitarian services, making it possible to reach the most remote areas. This expansion ensures that support and aid can be delivered to underserved populations, which might otherwise be inaccessible due to geographical barriers or infrastructure damage. Nabil Ben Soussia, CCO at IEC Telecom Group, commenting on the importance of satcom in humanitarian contexts said, "As we witness a surge in global emergencies, the demand for robust and effective communication tools has never been more critical. At IEC Telecom, we are dedicated to equipping humanitarian missions with advanced satellite communication solutions that enhance operational capacities, ensure safety, and extend reach to save more lives." Attendees of DIHAD 2024 will have the opportunity to explore the latest innovations from Thuraya, a mobile satellite services subsidiary of Yahsat, portfolio at the IEC Telecom stand, demonstrating the company’s ongoing commitment to advancing humanitarian aid efforts globally.

Al Yah Satellite Communications Company (ADX: YAHSAT), the UAE’s flagship satellite solutions provider, has announced the appointment of Amit Somani as Chief Growth and Strategy Officer.Mr. Somani, a veteran of the satellite communications industry, rejoins Yahsat with over 27 years of experience in satellite communications and management consulting. He already has extensive knowledge of Yahsat across various roles during his previous tenure with the company from 2010 to 2022. These included Vice President of Strategy and Business Development and most recently Chief Strategy Officer from 2014 to 2022.In his new leadership role with Yahsat, Mr. Somani will oversee the development and implementation of the company’s growth strategy in addition to spearheading its global strategic partnerships and alliances. This expanded position reaffirms Yahsat’s accelerated efforts to successfully implement its wider growth strategy. Mr. Somani’s expertise will be crucial in enabling the company to diversify its range of products and solutions while venturing into new emerging market segments and expanding its satellite capabilities.Ali Al Hashemi, Group Chief Executive Officer of Yahsat, said: "We would like to welcome Amit back into the Yahsat family. His appointment is part of Yahsat’s continuous efforts to attract the best talent from across the satellite communications industry who can help us deliver on our ambitious growth strategy. His in-depth knowledge of the satellite communications industry and his proven leadership capabilities will be crucial in advancing our goals.”Mr. Al Hashemi highlighted Mr. Somani’s active participation in implementing Yahsat's successful IPO and listing on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) in 2021, as an example of his ability to deliver exceptional results.Amit Somani, Chief Growth and Strategy Officer of Yahsat, said: "I am delighted to return to Yahsat and contribute to its ambitious mission of transforming the space industry in the UAE and the wider region. It is a pleasure to resume my journey with Yahsat and contribute to its growth, innovation, delivering exceptional solutions for its valued customers, building upon its strong foundations, strategic partnerships, and operational excellence."Mr. Somani will return to Yahsat in this new role on 1st April 2024, after a two-year stint as Chief Executive Officer of the UAE-based international hedge fund consortium, ABS Global.He holds an Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) degree from the London Business School and a MEng. degree in Electrical Engineering, from the University of Nottingham, UK.

Bayanat AI PLC (“Bayanat”) and Al Yah Satellite Communications Company P.J.S.C. (“Yahsat”) have jointly announced their intention to merge, following the unanimous recommendation by their respective Board of Directors. The merged entity, named Space42, is set to become the MENA region's first AI-powered space technology company with global potential.The proposed merger aims to leverage the complementary strengths of Bayanat and Yahsat, creating a vertically integrated organization with enhanced financial stability, AI-powered technological capabilities, and a diversified product portfolio. The combined entity will be optimally positioned to seize regional and international opportunities in geospatial and mobility solutions, satellite communications, and business intelligence.Key Highlights of the Merger:Name and Branding: The merged entity will be known as Space42 post-merger.Leadership Team: Upon completion of the merger in the second half of 2024, His Excellency Mansoor Al Mansoori will assume the role of Chairman, Dr Bakheet Al Katheeri as Vice Chairman, and Karim Michel Sabbagh as Managing Director of Space42.Board of Directors: The proposed Board of Directors will include prominent figures such as His Excellency Tareq Al Hosani, Her Excellency Maryam Eid Al Mheiri, Ismail Abdulla, and Kiril Evtimov.Executive Experience: The leadership team brings a wealth of experience from various sectors, including telecommunications, energy, technology, and global space industry.Global Potential: The merger aims to capitalize on significant revenue synergies, economies of scale, and innovation, positioning Space42 for transformative technologies and profitable growth.His Excellency Mansoor Al Mansoori, Chairman of Space42, expressed excitement about the prospect of uniting two leading home-grown companies to create a global AI-powered space technology company. Karim Michel Sabbagh, Managing Director of Space42, emphasized the transformative potential of the merger, creating an AI-powered platform with a substantial impact on societies and economies.The new board and management team will officially assume their roles when the merger becomes effective in the second half of 2024. In the meantime, Hasan Ahmed Alhosani and Ali Hashem Al Hashemi will continue to lead Bayanat and Yahsat, respectively.

Abu Dhabi: Al Yah Satellite Communications Company PJSC (Yahsat), the UAE’s flagship satellite solutions provider, (ADX trading symbol: YAHSAT), today announced plans to reinforce its presence in China, as part of its growth strategy to diversify and expand across international markets with the Chinese and the Asia Pacific regions at the forefront. Yahsat's senior commercial team, led by its Chief Commercial Officer, Sulaiman Al Ali, travelled to Beijing to meet with His Excellency Hussain bin Ibrahim Al Hammadi, the UAE Ambassador to China, who is leading the Diplomatic Mission’s efforts to empower UAE businesses to expand across the growing Chinese market.The team met with Thuraya's service partners, including Zhongyou Century (Beijing) Communications Technology CO. Limited, to explore potential business opportunities in strategically important sectors, including Government with a particular focus on search and rescue applications and Enterprise.The team presented its cutting-edge, next-generation mobility solutions, underlining its long-term objective to meet the evolving needs of Chinese customers across several sectors. The company’s top-selling solution, MarineStar, is expected to attract high demand from across China's maritime industry, revolutionizing connectivity and communications for maritime operators.In addition, Thuraya sells broadband terminals for land-based communications, addressing the connectivity needs of prominent customers in the country. The company's commitment to delivering reliable and high-speed connectivity solutions has garnered recognition and trust from key players in various sectors.A recent visit by Chinese Embassy officials to the company’s headquarters, in Abu Dhabi, was the most recent example of the burgeoning relations between Yahsat and China. The Chinese diplomats commended Yahsat’s role in locating and saving Chinese fishermen lost at sea, thanks to its satellite-enabled connectivity solutions.His Excellency Hussain bin Ibrahim Al Hammadi, UAE Ambassador to China, said: "The partnership between Yahsat and China holds immense potential for mutual growth and cooperation. The UAE Embassy is committed to providing full support to UAE businesses’ including Yahsat to expand in China, strengthening the ties between our two nations and fostering economic cooperation."Ali Al Hashemi, Group Chief Executive Officer of Yahsat, said: "We are proud of Yahsat's expansion as part of our diversification strategy geographically as well as venturing into new sectors. Our strategic partnership with China is expected to provide a big boost to our position in the global market. The successful visit by Chinese Embassy officials and the endorsement from the UAE Ambassador to China have given us the impetus to continue driving growth and development, not only in China but also across the Asia Pacific region."It is noteworthy that Yahsat has emerged in just 16 years as one of the largest commercial space and satellite enterprises in the Middle East, covering more than 150 countries worldwide. The Asia Pacific region is amongst the main international markets for the company due to its popular solutions including Thuraya’s award-winning MarineStar. By deploying advanced affordable satellite technology and comprehensive coverage, Yahsat has played a critical role in accelerating growth and development in the countries where it operates, quickly establishing itself as a trusted enabler of nation-building infrastructure.

Hub71, Abu Dhabi’s global tech ecosystem, and Al Yah Satellite Communications Company PJSC “Yahsat” (ADX: AEA007501017), the UAE’s flagship satellite solutions provider listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX), today announced a collaboration to accelerate startup technology adoption in satellite communications.Through this partnership, Yahsat will work with founders in the Hub71 community to advance technological innovations that support the development of the UAE’s mobile satellite capabilities. The first contract resulting from the new partnership is an agreement between Yahsat and Hub71-based startup, Mental VR, a Virtual Reality (VR) software development company. Mental VR will provide its state-of-the-art VR technology and deliver dynamic and seamless training programs for Yahsat personnel in remote locations.The wider partnership between Yahsat and Hub71 will help identify technology startups that have the potential to advance the UAE’s space industry and strengthen satellite communication technologies. Hub71 and Yahsat are both supported by Mubadala Investment Company and will work collaboratively towards building national capabilities and contributing to the UAE’s economic growth for the next 50 years. As part of the partnership agreement, Yahsat has appointed Hub71 as its Innovation Partner.Hub71 startups will get to work alongside global experts from Yahsat and receive strategic mentorship to gain insights into satellite technologies and the space industry. Startups will also be able to explore commercial opportunities as part of Yahsat’s satellite and technology program.Badr Al-Olama, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Hub71, said: “Our partnership with Yahsat reinforces our commitment to support tech initiatives that create impact for Abu Dhabi. Through this partnership, we will promote economic opportunities and strengthen the UAE's growing position as a leading global hub for technological excellence.”Ali Al Hashemi, Chief Executive Officer of Yahsat, added: “Yahsat is proud to have been a pioneer in the satellite services industry within the UAE, championing the establishment of the nation as a global hub for space tech. Our partnership with Hub71 is aligned with our commitment to build local capabilities and enhance the national space economy through collaborations with the startup ecosystem. As two UAE entities with a foundational base in Abu Dhabi, we look forward to working together to create greater opportunities for the development and enhancement of the satellite services industry.”Since its inception, Hub71 has rapidly expanded its ecosystem, which is now home to almost 200 startups working across 20 sectors. The global tech ecosystem has created a thriving business environment for founders with dedicated programs that promote increased commercial and fundraising opportunities. Hub71 startups have raised AED 3.2 billion from renowned investors globally and generated AED 2.7 billion revenues since 2019.