Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 24 November 2016:– Al Yah Satellite Communications Company (Yahsat) and EMEA Satellite Operator’s Association (ESOA) hosted a gala dinner on Wednesday, November 23, to discuss opportunities for the satellite industry and identify ways of future collaboration. Prominent industry leaders from organisations including UAE Space Agency, Thuraya, Arabsat, SES, Arianespace, Telespazio, Inmarsat, exchanged ideas and explored prospects.

“Historically, satellite services have been utilized by governments, broadcasters, NGOs, humanitarian agencies, and large corporations. However, we believe that the opportunities are far beyond these stakeholder groups and the sector is seeing a tectonic shift where we are more than ready to engage with a wider set of stakeholders in a much more effective manner,’’ said Masood M. Sharif Mahmood, CEO, Yahsat.

The EMEA Satellite Operators Association (ESOA) leads a coordinated and impactful response to global challenges and opportunities for the commercial satellite communications sector by raising awareness of the reach, resilience, variety & capability of satellite services. Together with ESOA, Yahsat is looking to address challenges faced by the satellite industry and paving the way for industry collaborations.

The high-level event took place in Yas Viceroy Hotel in Abu Dhabi and featured industry-specific key-note speeches from Masood M. Sharif Mahmood (CEO Yahsat), H.E. Dr. Mohammed Al Ahbabi (Director General, UAE Space Agency), Rupert Pearce (Chairman of ESOA and CEO of Inmarsat), and David Wang (CEO at Huawei UAE).