Starlink expands Middle East footprint with UAE launch: What to know
Starlink’s Emirati debut expands the range of connectivity options available and is a significant step in the country’s efforts to bolster its digital infrastructure.
SpaceX’s satellite internet service, Starlink, is now officially live and widely available in the United Arab Emirates, after obtaining regulatory approval and opening preorders last week.
What happened: Starlink and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk confirmed the launch on the X platform, which he owns, on Thursday, making the UAE one of the more than 150 countries and territories where the satellite internet service is now available. The satellite internet service, which can reach connectivity speeds of over 400 Mbps, will be available for individuals, businesses and government entities.
The UAE’s Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority granted Starlink a 10-year General Space Services License on Aug. 28. Starlink previously received a UAE license in 2024, but that approval covered only maritime satellite internet services.
Starlink now in UAE! 🇦🇪 https://t.co/UxlakkNqai
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 3, 2026
The authority's director general, Majed Sultan Al Mesmar, said in a statement that the full licensing of Starlink reflects the UAE’s commitment to adopting advanced technologies and creating a flexible regulatory environment that supports innovation and investment.
