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The Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority issued the licence to allow Starlink to install, operate and manage a public telecommunications network using low-Earth orbit satellites across the UAE. This approval forms part of a structured regulatory process that included a public consultation in July 2025 on third-party distribution of such services. The licence specifically addresses maritime and aeronautical uses initially before expanding to consumer offerings, according to the authority’s published documentation. Starlink’s entry adds a satellite-based option without disrupting the terrestrial duopoly maintained by Etisalat and du for fixed and mobile services.
A Lexology summary of UAE telecoms regulation placed the June 2024 decision within a framework that requires all public telecommunications providers to hold individual licences from the TDRA. The 10-year term provides operational stability for Starlink while mandating adherence to national security, safety and public interest directives issued by the authority. Starlink must also comply with broader federal telecommunications law and any amendments, the regulator’s licence document stated. This approach mirrors approvals granted in other GCC states where the service supports connectivity in remote or infrastructure-limited areas.
Gulf Business reported that residential plans became available in March 2026, with the entry-level Residential Lite option priced at Dhs230 monthly and the standard Residential package at Dhs300. Users are required to acquire a hardware kit starting from Dhs1,099 plus shipping, which includes a compact antenna that links directly to the Starlink satellite constellation. Delivery of kits typically takes one to two weeks, and the service is positioned for locations where traditional broadband faces geographic or capacity constraints.
P&S Intelligence projected the broader regional satellite-internet market to grow from $450 million in 2025 to $1.057 billion by 2032 at a compound annual growth rate of roughly 13 percent. Demand stems from sectors including maritime operations, aviation, remote education and enterprise connectivity that benefit from the low-latency performance of low-Earth orbit systems. A Mappr review of global availability data from May 2026 listed the UAE among 166 countries and territories where Starlink maintains active consumer or operational service.
The TDRA licence explicitly requires Starlink to follow any future directions on matters concerning public interest, safety or national security. Similar conditions appear in authorisations granted to other satellite operators, ensuring regulatory oversight remains intact. The framework supports the UAE’s digital infrastructure goals while accommodating emerging technologies that supplement existing networks.
Starlink has secured comparable approvals across the region, including in Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Jordan and Yemen, according to industry tracking. The UAE’s decision aligns with national strategies to broaden broadband access as part of long-term economic plans that prioritise technological diversification. Regulatory filings indicate the service has since expanded to include partnerships for in-flight connectivity on certain carriers operating from the country.
