The Arab world will have its first private satellite in orbit by 2011.
SmartSat, a $500 million (Dh1.8 billion) joint venture and the region's first private company specialised in the satellite industry, has shortlisted of the world's top 10 satellite manufacturers for the satellite projected for launch in 2011.
Speaking at the official launch of the satellite, which is in the design stage, Khalid Derbas, Chairman of SmartSat said: “The satellite will provide a powerful platform that will dramatically improve the communications capability of the MENA region.''
SmartSat will also serve other international markets, particularly Eastern Europe.
The SmartSat satellite will target the region's internet service providers (ISPs), GSM providers, broadband technology solutions providers, television stations, ministries of communication, military agencies and companies dealing with data systems among others.
SmartSat is a UAE-based joint venture company between Smartlink, a Jordanian private shareholding company and Al Jawhara Holding, a leading Kuwaiti investment holding company.
The company, which is located at Dubai Studio City, will be debuting at CABSAT being held from March 3-5 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.
