Al Yah Satellite Communications Company PrJsc (Yahsat), the UAE's first nationally-owned satellite communications company, signed a contract worth approximately Dhs400m contract with Emerging Markets Communications, Inc.

(EMC), operator of one of the largest teleports facilities in the world. Under the terms of the contract EMC will lease transponders on Yahsat's powerful C Band on a long-term basis to ultimately serve high profile government, commercial and non-profit organizations including the United Nations.

The announcement comes shortly after Yahsat made its first public appearance this week and confirms market confidence in Yahsat's capabilities to provide advanced satellite solutions in the region.

'Strategic partnership is among the most important business principles for Mubadala investments, and it reflects on Yahsat's strategy to have successful relationships with its partners and clients. Our participation in CABSAT for the first time has certainly been the perfect platform to kick off our strategic partnerships with potential clients, one of which has just been signed now, and lot more being studied to be finalized soon,' commented Mr. Waleed Ahmed Al Mokarrab Al Muhairi, Chairman, Yahsat during the official signing ceremony.

EMC specializes in meeting the diverse communications needs of its customers, which include international NGOs and Fortune 500 companies. The company's satellite services are extensively deployed by International rescue operations and humanitarian activities.

EMC and Yahsat's focus on emerging markets and the commitment of both organizations to provide the best of value added telecommunication services to our respective customers make this partnership a tremendous win not only to our customers but also for our industry. Both Yahsat and EMC maintain a constant flow of investment and innovation to provide customers with the right options of services in the region as well as other emerging markets. I am extremely pleased with this relationship and the value that Yahsat adds to EMC and to EMC's valuable customers,' said EMC President Mr. Abel Avellan.

Incorporated in January 2007 and supported by a $1.7 billion investment from parent company Mubadala Development Company (Mubadala), the strategic investment and development vehicle for the Abu Dhabi Government, Yahsat will develop, procure, own and operate hybrid satellite systems based on market requirements and future applications.

Al Yah Satellite Communications Company PrJsc (Yahsat), the UAE's first nationally-owned satellite operator makes its debut at CABSAT 2008.

Yahsat will showcase its satellite capabilities, applications and coverage areas for potential business partners seeking the complete range of satellite services.

Incorporated in January 2007 and supported by a $1.7bn investment from parent company Mubadala, Abu Dhabi government's strategic investment and development vehicle, Yahsat will develop, procure, own and operate hybrid satellite systems based on market requirements and future applications. The Abu Dhabi -based company will provide innovative solutions for Government and commercial communications in the Middle East, Africa, Europe and South-West Asia.

'We are pleased to make our first public appearance at CABSAT 2008. Combining deep regional understanding with our partnership approach, we will offer great operational flexibility and custom-designed satellite services to a wide range of customers in the Middle East, Africa, Europe and South-West Asia,' said Jassem Mohamed Al Zaabi, CEO of Yahsat.

Yahsat earlier signed an agreement with Arianespace to launch the Yahsat 1A satellite in the second half of 2010. The satellite is currently being manufactured by the consortium of EADS Astrium and Thales Alenia Space. Another agreement was also signed with International Launch Services (ILS) to launch the Yahsat 1B satellite in first half of 2011.
Yahsat will exhibit from March 4-6 at stand ZR1 in Zabeel Hall at the Dubai Exhibition and Convention Centre.

Al Yah Satellite Communications Company PrJsc (Yahsat), a wholly owned subsidiary of Mubadala Development Company, today signed a letter of intent with Arianespace, the world's leading launch Service & Solutions company, to launch the Yahsat 1A communications satellite.

The satellite is currently being manufactured by the consortium of EADS Astrium and Thales Alenia Space. The expected launch date is second half 2010.

The letter of intent was signed today between the CEO of Yahsat, Jassem Mohamed Al Zaabi, and the Chairman & CEO of Arianespace, Jean-Yves Le Gall, and coincides with the State visit of French President Nicolas Sarkozy. The letter of intent states that the Yahsat 1A satellite is to be scheduled for a geostationary transfer orbit (GTO) launch in the second half of 2010, from the Guiana Space Center (Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana) by an Ariane 5 launcher.

'Since inception in January 2007, Yahsat has made excellent progress in its plans to launch Abu Dhabi's first satellite in 2010. The manufacturing of Yahsat 1A is well underway and so we're delighted to announce this major development as we edge towards launch,' said Jassem Mohamed Al Zaabi, CEO of Yahsat.

'Arianespace has launched more than 250 other satellites so we're confident that we have chosen a world-class partner to help support our mission, which will put Abu Dhabi on the map in the satellite communications industry,' he added.

Once in orbit, Yahsat 1A will provide services for both government and commercial customers in the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Southwest Asia. Yahsat 1A will be positioned at 52.5 degrees East and will provide innovative solutions for internet links via satellite, business data networks and television transmission services, in particular for high-definition television (HDTV).