Abu Dhabi, UAE, 31 March, 2020 : Thuraya, the Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) subsidiary of the UAE-based global satellite company, Yahsat, has welcomed the launch of the COVID-19 Global Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) announced by the United Nations Secretary-General on March 25. The company will use its expertise and apply lessons learned from the 2014-2016 Ebola outbreak, to help the global community implement the HRP and save lives during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Global HRP is a co-ordinated US$2 billion humanitarian response to fight COVID-19 in 51 of the world's poorest countries across, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and South America. It is led by UN agencies with support from other international organizations and NGOs with a humanitarian mandate.
Sulaiman Al Ali, Deputy CEO of Thuraya, said: We fully support the COVID-19 Humanitarian Response Plan. Successful operations during emergencies depend on timely and proper communication among relief workers, donors and affected communities. In over 20 years of operation, and as a signatory of UN Crisis Connectivity Charter, Thuraya has always stood by the international community during crises. We work closely with organizations such as International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and Emergency Telecommunications Cluster (ETC) to provide first responders and health missions a reliable satellite communications platform that is independent of terrestrial systems and available at all times.
Providing ubiquitous coverage in more than 160 countries, Thuraya will enable always-on voice and internet connections for COVID-19 relief missions, especially in regions where telecommunications infrastructure is likely to be weak or unavailable. The company had a similar arrangement with ETC during the 2014-16 Ebola outbreak, when it supplied voice and broadband links for the World Health Organization, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, NetHope and other NGOs in the severely affected areas of Sierra Leone. Wireless connections were essential for health workers and relief agencies in different locations to stay connected and share instant updates, including emerging hotspots and rates of death and recovery. However, cellular networks could not handle the surge of user traffic. Only widespread use of satellite communications kept vital information flowing.
Thuraya also has a standing agreement with ITU to deploy its terminals for immediate assistance during emergencies and natural disasters. Its mobile satellite phones and broadband devices enable solutions that can help relief workers achieve maximum impact, while limiting their exposure to COVID-19. Devices such as Thuraya X5-Touch and Thuraya IP+ support telemedicine applications that offer timely advice and support to caregivers treating affected communities in remote locations.
Thuraya can augment coronavirus relief work in remote locations through telemedicine solutions such as teleconferencing kits and connected ambulances. The ambulance-to-hospital telemedicine system works over Thuraya's IP broadband terminals and satellite network, connecting onboard wired and wireless medical devices to hospitals and diagnosing physicians. It transmits patients' vital signs data in real time, enabling remote diagnosis and primary care that could greatly improve survival chances and levels of future health for patients. Moreover, relief agencies can use the solution to collect data on the spread of virus and visualize the pandemic, trace contacts and collect information to support health surveillance. It can also assist in coordinated efforts to deliver necessities such as vaccines and other medical supplies, or even satellite communications equipment.
Reliable communications are urgently required where the threat from COVID-19 is greatest. The social distancing strategies introduced by governments across whole populations are expected to place severe strain on cellular networks and internet traffic. By increasing capacity over hotspots, Thuraya will ensure service continuity, even when there is a sudden surge in demand from remote medical setups, healthcare institutions and NGOs.
About Thuraya Telecommunications Company
Thuraya, is the mobile satellite services subsidiary of the Al Yah Satellite Communications Company (Yahsat), a leading global satellite operator based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), fully owned by Mubadala Investment Company. Established in 1997, Thuraya offers innovative communications solutions to a variety of sectors including maritime, energy, government, broadcast media, military, aerospace and humanitarian NGO.
Thuraya's superior network enables clear communications and uninterrupted coverage across two-thirds of the globe by MSS, global VSAT coverage and around the world through its unique GSM roaming capabilities. The company's diverse range of technologically advanced and dependable mobile satellite handsets and broadband devices provide ease of use, value, quality and efficiency. Through relevant partnerships, Thuraya stays ahead by delivering solutions and supporting applications that meet the rapidly transforming nature of market demands. Thuraya remains committed to keeping everyone within reach in any circumstance by making accessible the essential tools required for vital connectivity.
For more information, please visit www.thuraya.com.
Download Press Release
Middle East Stories
19/06/2025
Designed for multipurpose land and maritime use, the Thuraya Mobile Broadband Ho...
21/05/2025
Space42's debut at CommunicAsia 2025 to demonstrate advances in satellite communications, Earth observation, and high-altitude connectivity tailored for Asi...
21/05/2025
GIQ platform developed by Space42 in partnership with the UAE Space Agency, powe...
20/05/2025
Space42 to establish new Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite manufacturing ...
19/05/2025
The new High Altitude Platform Stations (HAPS) facility enables Mira Aerospace, ...
15/05/2025
Continued delivery across four strategic pillars provides foundation for multi-year scalable growth
Strong balance sheet, USD 895 million in cash and nearly US...
07/05/2025
Abu Dhabi, UAE [Date] Space42 (ADX: SPACE42), the UAE-based AI-powered Space...
12/03/2025
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and Copenhagen, Denmark: 12 March 2025: Space42...
11/03/2025
Abu Dhabi, UAE and Carlsbad, California 12 March 2025 Space42, (ADX: SPACE42...
03/03/2025
Abu Dhabi, UAE 3 March 2025 Thuraya, the satellite mobility arm of Space42, has Introduced Thuraya One, an Android 14 smartphone with built-in satellite cap...
27/02/2025
Abu Dhabi, UAE, 27 February 2025: Space42 PLC ( Space42 or the Company ), the UAE-based AI-powered SpaceTech company that seamlessly integrates satellite comm...
19/02/2025
Collaboration enables long-term testing and evaluation support for HAPS platform...
18/02/2025
The AED 378 million contract between Space42's Bayanat Smart Solutions and EDGE's FADA will enhance the nation's geospatial capabilities over the ne...
17/02/2025
The joint venture will leverage Space42's and FADA's advanced technologi...
11/02/2025
Space42's debut at IDEX highlights AI-powered space technologys role in modern defense and security
The Space42 stand will have live demonstrations of mult...
15/01/2025
Foresight-1 and Foresight-2 will boost UAE's earth observation capabilities
Comprising the latest SAR technology in cooperation with ICEYE
Abu Dhabi, U...
04/01/2025
Thuraya 4 will provide more secure capacity, faster speeds, and wider coverage across Africa, Europe, Central Asia and the Middle East
Launching the busines...
04/01/2025
Abu Dhabi, 04 January, 2025 :
Thuraya 4 will provide more secure capacity, faster speeds, and wider coverage across Africa, Europe, Central Asia and the M...
17/12/2024
Abu Dhabi, UAE, 17 December 2024: Space42 (ADX: SPACE42), the UAE-based AI-power...
10/12/2024
Abu Dhabi, UAE - 10 December 2024 Space42's Thuraya 4 telecommunications satellite, built by Airbus, has reached its destination at the Kennedy Space Cent...
09/12/2024
- The strategic joint venture addresses the growing demand for SAR satellite ima...
21/11/2024
Construction is underway at First Westlake Logistics Park
Construction on First Gulfs latest industrial development First Westlake Logistics Park in Ja...
19/11/2024
The appointment reflects Space42s commitment to building a dynamic market enviro...
11/11/2024
Space42 and the Ministry of Education launch SpaceTech educational campaign for ...
30/10/2024
The launch follows the successful implementation on 27 oil wells using an oil an...
28/10/2024
The multi-design, state-of-the-art Space42 Arena in Al Raha Beach, Abu Dhabi w...
15/10/2024
Dubai, 15 October, 2024 : Space42 and nybl unveil revolutionary AI solution to ...
01/10/2024
Space42 is a new, UAE-based AI-powered SpaceTech company with a global reach, in...
05/09/2024
In a milestone for Bronte Station Business Park, Element Materials Technology, a global leader in materials and product qualification testing, inspection, and ...
30/07/2024
Resilient first half performance with stable Normalised EBITDA and net income
Revenue, profitability and cash flow guidance reiterated for the full year
Abu D...
18/07/2024
Yahsat accelerates efforts to expand in Zimbabwe following agreement with Satcom...
10/06/2024
- Fully flexible, software-defined payloads will allow in-orbit reconfiguration of coverage area, capacity and communication frequencies
- Full programme cost...
29/05/2024
Marrakech, Morrocco, 29 May, 2024 : Marrakech, Morrocco, 29 May 2024: Al Yah Sa...
24/05/2024
The certification underscores world-class standards of services at Yahsat's Abu Dhabi Teleport
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 21 May 2024: Al Yah Satelli...
22/05/2024
EUTELSAT KONNECT satellite will enhance Yahsat's satellite network with mult...
15/05/2024
Abu Dhabi, 15 May, 2024 : IP NEO is a Thuraya 4-ready lightweight portable sate...
15/05/2024
Abu Dhabi, 15 May, 2024 : IP NEO is a Thuraya 4-ready lightweight portable sate...
14/05/2024
Highest ever Q1 revenue with Normalised EBITDA growth of 7%
Profitability, cash flow and capital expenditure guidance reiterated
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirat...
10/05/2024
Abu Dhabi, 10 May 2024: Further to our previous communications about the unexpec...
10/05/2024
Abu Dhabi, 10 May, 2024 : Abu Dhabi, 10 May 2024: Further to our previous commu...
09/05/2024
The visit discussed potential for Yahsat to expand its presence in South Africa ...
25/04/2024
Bayanat AI PLC (ADX: BAYANAT), a leading AI-powered geospatial solutions provider, and Al Yah Satellite Communications Company P.J.S.C. (ADX: YAHSAT), the UAE&#...
23/04/2024
The merger will provide vertical integration potential and enhanced product offerings to capture regional and international opportunities for revenue growth and...
23/04/2024
Abu Dhabi, 23 April, 2024 : Partnership delivers greater cybersecurity to Thura...
02/04/2024
Abu Dhabi, 02 April, 2024 : Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 2 April 2024: Thur...
01/04/2024
Mr. Somani will oversee the development and implementation of the company's growth strategy and spearhead global strategic partnerships
Abu Dhabi, United A...
21/03/2024
- A circular was issued today setting both entities' General Assembly Meetin...
21/03/2024
- A circular was issued today setting both entities' General Assembly Meetin...
18/03/2024
Abu Dhabi, 18 March, 2024 : Abu Dhabi, 18 March 2024: Thuraya Telecommunication...
Abu Dhabi, UAE, 31 March, 2020 : Thuraya, the Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) subsidiary of the UAE-based global satellite company, Yahsat, has welcomed the launch of the COVID-19 Global Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) announced by the United Nations Secretary-General on March 25. The company will use its expertise and apply lessons learned from the 2014-2016 Ebola outbreak, to help the global community implement the HRP and save lives during the COVID-19 pandemic. 
