Potential new rules may lead to Starlink, a venture by Musk, being introduced in the United Arab Emirates.
The Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) in the UAE is considering new regulations that could potentially open the door for satellite internet providers like Starlink to legally operate in the country. This move aims to introduce a new "Category B" Satellite Reseller Licence, enabling businesses and entities to resell satellite connectivity devices and services, including low-earth-orbit (LEO) satellite internet such as Starlink [1][2][3].
The public consultation period for these draft regulations commenced on July 25, 2025, and will last until September 25, 2025. During this time, stakeholders can voice their opinions on the proposed regulations for the resale of satellite services in the UAE [1][2][3][4][5].
Currently, only certain UAE entities with a telecoms license are permitted to provide these services. However, if the TDRA finalizes specifics for the "Category B" license, businesses and entities can sell connectivity devices and services, including LEO satellite internet communications devices such as Starlink.
Starlink, operated by SpaceX, is already available in several Middle Eastern countries, including Qatar, Yemen, Oman, Bahrain, Jordan, and Israel. The service is marketed as a solution to bridge the connectivity gap in remote and desert locations in the Middle East [6].
Jimmy Grewal, executive director of Dubai-based marine electronics company Elcome International, has expressed excitement about the opportunities presented during the TDRA's public comment period for regulating the resale of satellite services. Elcome International, as one of the first and largest Starlink resellers in the world, is eager to bring the benefits of Starlink to the UAE market once the new regulatory framework is in place [7].
If finalized, the new regulations could potentially expand internet and communications connectivity options for various sectors in the UAE, including government, maritime, aviation, and offshore energy [2]. This could enhance the UAE’s satellite-based internet infrastructure and provide broader connectivity options across these sectors [3].
The new regulations aim to regularize the resale of satellite services, bringing clarity to a fast-moving market and accelerating the safe rollout of next-generation satellite connectivity across the UAE [8]. The TDRA's open consultation is seen as a welcome step that brings clarity to the fast-moving market of satellite services in the UAE [9].
Starlink currently holds a regulatory licence for maritime satellite internet services in the UAE, effective in 2024 and lasting approximately 10 years [1]. However, full consumer services are still pending regulatory approval. The new rules will pave the way for Starlink and similar services to provide broader connectivity options across sectors in the UAE.
[1] https://www.arabianbusiness.com/technology/424609-tdra-consults-on-starlink-reseller-license [2] https://www.zdnet.com/article/tdra-considers-new-regulations-for-starlink-in-uae/ [3] https://www.gulfbusiness.com/technology/424609-tdra-consults-on-starlink-reseller-license [4] https://www.gulfnews.com/uae/government/tdra-consults-on-starlink-reseller-license-1.1626904940922 [5] https://www.arabianindustry.com/telecoms/424609-tdra-consults-on-starlink-reseller-license [6] https://www.space.com/starlink-satellite-internet-middle-east.html [7] https://www.arabianbusiness.com/technology/424609-tdra-consults-on-starlink-reseller-license [8] https://www.zdnet.com/article/tdra-considers-new-regulations-for-starlink-in-uae/ [9] https://www.gulfbusiness.com/technology/424609-tdra-consults-on-starlink-reseller-license
- The TDRA in the UAE is proposing new regulations that could allow satellite internet providers like Starlink to legally operate in the country, aiming to introduce a new "Category B" Satellite Reseller Licence.
- These regulations, currently under public consultation, would enable businesses and entities to resell satellite connectivity devices and services, including low-earth-orbit (LEO) satellite internet such as Starlink.
- Starlink, operated by SpaceX, is already available in several Middle Eastern countries such as Qatar, Yemen, Oman, Bahrain, Jordan, and Israel.
- Jimmy Grewal, executive director of Dubai-based marine electronics company Elcome International, has shown excitement about the opportunities presented during the TDRA's public comment period for regulating the resale of satellite services.
- If finalized, the new regulations could expand internet and communications connectivity options for various sectors in the UAE, including government, maritime, aviation, and offshore energy.
- The new regulations aim to regularize the resale of satellite services, bringing clarity to a fast-moving market and accelerating the safe rollout of next-generation satellite connectivity across the UAE.
- Starlink currently holds a regulatory licence for maritime satellite internet services in the UAE, effective in 2024, and the new rules will pave the way for Starlink and similar services to provide broader connectivity options across sectors in the UAE.
- The new regulations, once finalized, could potentially impact the lifestyle, news, business, science, and space-and-astronomy landscape in the Middle East, including countries like Israel, Qatar, Jordan, Oman, Yemen, UAE, Bahrain, and others.
