he United Arab Emirates has granted Elon Musk's Starlink a 10-year licence to provide satellite internet services across the country.
The Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) issued the General Space Services License on Friday, August 28, 2026, allowing Starlink to establish, operate and manage a public satellite communications network in the UAE.
The TDRA said the licence authorises Starlink to build and run a satellite broadband network that will complement existing fibre-optic and 5G networks. The regulator added that the approval follows established technical and regulatory frameworks. Starlink will need to meet all necessary requirements before it can begin offering services to customers.
The move aims to boost digital infrastructure resilience and offer high-speed connectivity to individuals, businesses, government entities, as well as the maritime and aviation sectors.
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Services under the licence will cover homes, offices and government bodies. The company can also provide satellite connectivity for ships and aircraft operating in UAE waters and airspace. Authorities said the satellite layer will add strength to the national digital infrastructure ecosystem and support key industries during emergencies.
No official start date has been announced for Starlink services in the UAE. However, residents can already pre-order equipment and plans on the Starlink website. Residential plans are listed at Dh300 per month, with unlimited data and a 30-day trial period. The company has not confirmed when installations will begin or how long deliveries might take.
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Starlink operates a growing network of low-Earth orbit satellites that beam internet signals to small dish antennas at user locations. The system promises faster speeds and lower latency than traditional satellite internet, especially in remote areas where fibre or mobile networks are weak. The UAE becomes one of the latest countries in the Middle East to approve Starlink, following similar moves in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states.
The licence adds a new option for internet users in the UAE, where telecom services have long been dominated by two state-backed providers. Competition could push prices down and improve service quality over time. It also gives businesses and government agencies a backup connectivity option during outages or natural disasters.
For now, customers interested in Starlink can visit the company's website to check service availability and place pre-orders. The TDRA will continue to oversee operations to ensure compliance with local laws and technical standards.