Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: Al Yah Satellite Communications Company (ADX: YAHSAT), the UAE’s flagship satellite solutions provider, welcomed a high-level delegation from the Government of South Africa, led by His Excellency Deputy President Paul Mashatile, to discuss closer cooperation in the satellite communications sector. This reflects the country’s on-going efforts to enhance communications services by leveraging the UAE’s advanced satcom sector and intelligent data solutions services.

The delegation consisted of senior government ministers, heads of several departments and Brainwave Projects SA, the Public Sector Service Partner for Yahclick, Yahsat’s satellite broadband solutions provider in South Africa. The high-level meetings are testament to Yahsat’s well-established reputation in Africa as an innovative and cost-effective satellite communications technology and service provider. The delegation was welcomed by Karim Sabbagh, Managing Director Designate of SPACE42, Ali Al Hashemi, Group Chief Executive Officer of Yahsat, Hasan Al Hosani, Managing Director of Bayanat, and Sulaiman Al Ali, Chief Commercial Officer of Yahsat.

Satellite communications have become a critical enabler of economic development across Africa as the technology helps to connect isolated, underserved communities allowing access to important services such as telemedicine, e-learning, government services, e-commerce and more. The visit enabled both parties to explore potential opportunities for Yahsat to expand its presence in South Africa to support the government objectives to improve connectivity across the country.

Ali Al Hashemi, Group Chief Executive Officer of Yahsat, said: “We were delighted to welcome the senior delegation from the South African Government led by His Excellency Deputy President Paul Mashatile to our headquarters. This visit reflects Yahsat’s exemplary reputation as a respected satellite communications provider, and more importantly the status of the UAE as a global leader in advancing SpaceTech and AI solutions to address the most pressing challenges. Our extensive work to connect rural and isolated communities across South Africa and the wider African continent not only demonstrates our commitment to these communities but highlights the advanced capabilities of our products and services.”

From his side, His Excellency Mondli Gungubele, South Africa’s Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, said: “It was a pleasure to visit Yahsat as part of our on-going efforts to collaborate with the UAE and harness its technological capabilities. We are committed to working together with our UAE partners across a range of different industries and, in particular, in the satellite sector where we do not currently have all the required capabilities. By working in partnership with Yahsat we will be able to establish these capabilities and knowledge sufficient to build own national satellite program and infrastructure in the future.”

-Ends-

About Yahsat

Al Yah Satellite Communications Company PJSC (Yahsat) is a public company listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) and a subsidiary of Mubadala Investment Company PJSC, offering multi-mission satellite solutions in more than 150 countries across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, South America, Asia and Australasia.

Yahsat’s fleet of 5 satellites reaches more than 80% of the world’s population, enabling critical communications including broadband, broadcasting, backhauling and mobility solutions. Based out of Abu Dhabi in the UAE, Yahsat provides C, Ku, Ka and L-band satellite communications solutions for land, maritime and aero platforms to consumers, governments and enterprises.

Its businesses consist of Yahsat Government Solutions, Thuraya, YahClick (powered by Hughes) and YahLink. Yahsat also participates in Hughes do Brasil, an equity partnership with Hughes, and Yahlive, an equity partnership with SES. In 2020, Yahsat commenced construction of Thuraya 4, the next-generation telecommunications system for Thuraya, which is due to launch in 2024 and to enter service in 2025. In 2023, Yahsat commenced construction of two new software-defined telecommunication satellites, Al Yah 4 and Al Yah 5, which are expected to be launched in 2027 and 2028, respectively.

Note: On the 25th of April 2024, the shareholders of Bayanat and Yahsat approved the proposed merger of the two companies during their respective General Assembly Meetings (GAMs). The merger aims to create an AI-powered space technology champion in the MENA region with global reach. Bayanat and Yahsat will continue to operate independently until regulatory approval is received and the merger is effective, which is expected to take place in mid-2024. Visit the merger microsite for more information: www.asharedambition.com

For more information, visit: www.yahsat.com; Follow us on Twitter: @YahsatOfficial

Legal Notice and Cautionary statement regarding forward-looking information

This announcement includes forward-looking statements, which are based on current expectations and projections about future events. These statements may include, without limitation, words such as "expect", "will", "looking ahead" and any other words and terms of similar meaning. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions about the Company and its subsidiaries and its investments, and speak only as at the date of this announcement. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions of future events and information currently available to the Company which may not prove to be accurate and the Company does not accept any responsibility for the accuracy or fairness thereof and expressly disclaims any obligation to update any such forward looking statement. No representation or warranty is made that any forward-looking statement will come to pass. You are therefore cautioned not to place any undue reliance on forward-looking statements. For further information regarding forward-looking statements, and the factors that may cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements please refer to our Annual Report for 2023, which is available on our website at  https://www.yahsat.com/en/investor-relations/annual-report

The amount and payment of dividends by the Group is subject to consideration by the Board of Directors of the cash management requirements of the Group for operating expenses, interest expense, and anticipated capital expenditures, and market conditions, the then current operating environment in its markets, and the Board of Directors’ outlook for the business of the Company. In addition, any level or payment of dividends will depend on, among other things, future profits and the business plan of the Company, as determined at the discretion of the Board of Directors.

Neither this announcement nor anything contained herein constitutes a financial promotion, or an invitation or inducement to acquire or sell securities in any jurisdiction.

For investor enquiries, please contact: ir@yahsat.ae
For media enquiries, please contact: corporatecomms@yahsat.ae; yahsat@hkstrategies.com