{"id":89107,"date":"2025-09-27T15:51:13","date_gmt":"2025-09-27T15:51:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/89107\/"},"modified":"2025-09-27T15:51:13","modified_gmt":"2025-09-27T15:51:13","slug":"first-emirati-to-lead-global-satellite-organisation-targets-space-junk-and-digital-divide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/89107\/","title":{"rendered":"First Emirati to lead global satellite organisation targets space junk and digital divide"},"content":{"rendered":"

The first Emirati<\/a> to chair an international satellite operators\u2019 body has said his priorities will be tackling the growing threat of space debris<\/a> and ensuring global connectivity. <\/p>\n

Ali Al Hashemi, chief executive of Space Services unit at Abu Dhabi\u2019s Space42<\/a>, was appointed last week as chairman of the Global Satellite Operators Association, the world\u2019s largest satellite industry body.<\/p>\n

The non-profit organisation was formed in 2002 and is led by chief executives who bring together satellite and other space-related companies from around the world to agree on the sector’s best interests. <\/p>\n

It then presents a \u201cunified voice\u201d to regulatory bodies and international organisations like the UN’s International Telecommunications Union.<\/p>\n

Mr Al Hashemi outlined his agenda for the two-year term, saying that space sustainability is on the top of his list.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe biggest challenge in the industry today is space debris,\u201d Mr Al Hashemi told The National. \u201cWe are trying to build a strong agreement that would help unify everyone\u2019s views.\u201d <\/p>\n

A 2025 Space Environment report by the European Space Agency stated that the agency tracks about 54,000 pieces of debris larger than 10cm, and about 1.2 million fragments between one to 10cm. <\/p>\n

How big is the problem?<\/b><\/p>\n

The report said collision risks are likely to increase if more efforts are not made to mitigate the problem.<\/p>\n

Collisions can break satellites into smaller fragments, creating even more debris.<\/p>\n

In 2024, for example, the defunct Russian Resurs-P1 satellite broke apart in low-Earth orbit, creating more than 100 pieces of trackable debris.<\/p>\n

There is still no globally binding law, only voluntary UN guidelines and charters that require satellite operators to deorbit spacecraft or remove debris.<\/p>\n

The European Commission proposed an EU Space Act in July to make end-of-life disposal and other debris-mitigation measures mandatory, but the package still needs approval from the European Parliament and Council.<\/p>\n

Mr Al Hashemi said another priority is ensuring countries have equal access to satellites and infrastructure that enables the internet.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe question is how do we build a model where sovereignty of a country is respected and one where services are enhanced \u2026 that would be the winning formula,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Improving access to internet services is viewed as key to bridging a digital divide between high and low-income countries and driving international development.<\/p>\n

About one-third of the world’s population remains offline, according to the International Telecommunication Union. <\/p>\n

Figures recently released by the ITU showed that 91 per cent of people in Europe have internet access, compared to only 38 per cent of people in Africa.<\/p>\n

Space42 announced last week that it was working with US satellite giant Viasat to expand global satellite connectivity through satellite-to-device technology.<\/p>\n

The new venture, called Equatys, will develop satellites and ground infrastructure that mobile operators can use to help their customers stay connected in areas without coverage, including in disaster zones, remote villages and out at sea.<\/p>\n

Mr Al Hashemi said that even if the problem of lack of connectivity was solved, the next challenge would be regulations and if the public has access to devices that would help them connect.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe obstacle will not be coverage any more. It will be adhering to countries\u2019 regulations and sovereignty,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n

\u201cThe second obstacle will be the price of the device, not the price of the service.\u201d<\/p>\n

He said he believed that the UAE is leading regulation and policy efforts to enhance sustainability and close the digital divide. <\/p>\n

\u201cSo, being a chairman of the GSOA is aligned with the values of the UAE and of Space42,\u201d said Mr Al Hashemi.<\/p>\n

Space42, which trades on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, was formed last year when UAE satellite company Yahsat merged with AI and mapping company Bayanat.<\/p>\n

THE%20SWIMMERS<\/p>\n

%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESally%20El-Hosaini%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENathalie%20Issa%2C%20Manal%20Issa%2C%20Ahmed%20Malek%20and%20Ali%20Suliman%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E4%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A<\/p>\n

The specs: Fenyr SuperSport<\/p>\n

Price, base: Dh5.1 million<\/p>\n

Engine: 3.8-litre twin-turbo flat-six<\/p>\n

Transmission: Seven-speed automatic<\/p>\n

Power: 800hp @ 7,100pm<\/p>\n

Torque: 980Nm @ 4,000rpm<\/p>\n

Fuel economy, combined: 13.5L \/ 100km<\/p>\n

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pocketsUAE currency: the story behind the money in your pocketsMATCH INFO<\/p>\n

Manchester United 2<\/strong>
(Martial 30′,\u00a0McTominay\u00a090 6′)<\/p>\n

Manchester City 0<\/strong><\/p>\n

The%20specs<\/p>\n

%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202-litre%204-cylinder%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E153hp%20at%206%2C000rpm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E200Nm%20at%204%2C000rpm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E6-speed%20auto%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFuel%20consumption%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E6.3L%2F100km%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDh106%2C900%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Enow%3C%2Fp%3E%0A<\/p>\n

Company%20profile<\/p>\n

%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Letswork%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202018%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EOmar%20Almheiri%2C%20Hamza%20Khan%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20co-working%20spaces%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%242.1%20million%20in%20a%20seed%20round%20with%20investors%20including%20500%20Global%2C%20The%20Space%2C%20DTEC%20Ventures%20and%20other%20angel%20investors%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20about%2020%3C%2Fp%3E%0A<\/p>\n

Killing of Qassem SuleimaniCOMPANY PROFILE <\/p>\n

Name:\u00a0<\/strong>Kumulus Water<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Started:<\/strong> 2021<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Founders: <\/strong>Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Based:<\/strong> Tunisia\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Sector:<\/strong> Water technology\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Number of staff:<\/strong> 22\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Investment raised:<\/strong> $4 million\u00a0<\/p>\n

Mohammed bin Zayed MajlisKilling of Qassem SuleimaniKilling of Qassem SuleimaniRead more about the coronavirusLiving in…<\/p>\n

This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country\u2019s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.<\/p>\n

Match info<\/p>\n

Uefa Champions League Group H<\/strong><\/p>\n

Juventus v Valencia, Tuesday, midnight (UAE)<\/p>\n

The years Ramadan fell in MayRESULTS<\/p>\n

2pm:<\/strong> Handicap (PA) Dh40,000 (Dirt) 1,200m
Winner:<\/strong> Najem Al Rwasi, Fabrice Veron (jockey), Ahmed Al Shemaili (trainer)<\/p>\n

2.30pm: <\/strong>Handicap (PA) Dh40,000 (D) 2,000m
Winner: <\/strong>Fandim, Fernando Jara, Majed Al Jahouri<\/p>\n

3pm: <\/strong>Maiden (PA) Dh40,000 (D) 1,700m
Winner: <\/strong>Harbh, Pat Cosgrave, Ahmed Al Mehairbi<\/p>\n

3.30pm: <\/strong>Maiden (PA) Dh40,000 (D) 1,700m
Winner: <\/strong>Wakeel W\u2019Rsan, Richard Mullen, Jaci Wickham<\/p>\n

4pm: <\/strong>Crown Prince of Sharjah Cup Prestige (PA) Dh200,000 (D) 1,200m
Winner: <\/strong>Jawaal, Fernando Jara, Majed Al Jahouri<\/p>\n

4.30pm: <\/strong>Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Cup (TB) Dh200,000 (D) 2,000m
Winner: <\/strong>Tailor\u2019s Row, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer<\/p>\n

Tottenham’s 10 biggest transfers (according to transfermarkt.com):<\/p>\n

1). Moussa Sissokho\u00a0– Newcastle United –\u00a0\u00a330 million (Dh143m): Flop<\/p>\n

2). Roberto Soldado – Valencia –\u00a0\u00a0\u00a325m: Flop<\/p>\n

3). Erik Lamela – Roma –\u00a0\u00a0\u00a325m: Jury still out<\/p>\n

4). Son Heung-min – Bayer Leverkusen\u00a0–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a325m: Success<\/p>\n

5). Darren Bent – Charlton Athletic –\u00a0\u00a0\u00a321m: Flop<\/p>\n

6). Vincent Janssen – AZ Alkmaar –\u00a0\u00a0\u00a318m: Flop<\/p>\n

7). David Bentley – Blackburn Rovers –\u00a0\u00a0\u00a318m: Flop<\/p>\n

8). Luka Modric – Dynamo Zagreb\u00a0–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a317m: Success<\/p>\n

9). Paulinho – Corinthians –\u00a0\u00a0\u00a316m: Flop<\/p>\n

10). Mousa Dembele – Fulham –\u00a0\u00a0\u00a316m: Success<\/p>\n

South Africa v India schedule<\/p>\n

Tests: 1st Test<\/strong> Jan 5-9, Cape Town;\u00a02nd Test<\/strong> Jan 13-17, Centurion;\u00a03rd Test<\/strong>\u00a0Jan 24-28, Johannesburg<\/p>\n

ODIs: 1st ODI<\/strong> Feb 1, Durban; 2nd ODI<\/strong>\u00a0Feb 4, Centurion; 3rd ODI<\/strong> Feb 7, Cape Town; 4th ODI<\/strong> Feb 10, Johannesburg; 5th ODI<\/strong>\u00a0Feb 13, Port Elizabeth; 6th ODI<\/strong>\u00a0Feb 16, Centurion<\/p>\n

T20Is: 1st T20I\u00a0<\/strong>Feb 18, Johannesburg; 2nd T20I<\/strong>\u00a0Feb 21, Centurion; 3rd T20I<\/strong> Feb 24, Cape Town<\/p>\n

More coverage from the Future ForumThe Voice of Hind Rajab<\/p>\n

Starring:<\/strong> Saja Kilani, Clara Khoury, Motaz Malhees<\/p>\n

Director: <\/strong>Kaouther Ben Hania<\/p>\n

Rating:<\/strong> 4\/5<\/p>\n

More from Neighbourhood Watch:Mohammed bin Zayed MajlisKILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANIThe years Ramadan fell in MayThe burning issue<\/p>\n

The\u00a0internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment \u2013\u00a0major manufacturer\u00a0Volvo\u00a0is to stop\u00a0producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021\u00a0and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040.\u00a0The National\u00a0takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Read part four:\u00a0an affection for classic cars lives on<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Read part three:\u00a0the age of the electric vehicle begins<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Read part one:\u00a0how cars came to the UAE<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

UAE squad<\/p>\n

Esha Oza (captain), Al Maseera Jahangir, Emily Thomas, Heena Hotchandani, Indhuja Nandakumar, Katie Thompson, Lavanya Keny, Mehak Thakur, Michelle Botha, Rinitha Rajith, Samaira Dharnidharka, Siya Gokhale, Sashikala Silva, Suraksha Kotte, Theertha Satish (wicketkeeper) Udeni Kuruppuarachchige, Vaishnave Mahesh.<\/p>\n

UAE tour of Zimbabwe<\/p>\n

All matches in Bulawayo
Friday, Sept 26 \u2013 First ODI
Sunday, Sept 28 \u2013 Second ODI
Tuesday, Sept 30 \u2013 Third ODI
Thursday, Oct 2 \u2013 Fourth ODI
Sunday, Oct 5 \u2013 First T20I
Monday, Oct 6 \u2013 Second T20I<\/p>\n

Mohammed bin Zayed MajlisZayed Sustainability PrizeZayed Sustainability PrizeThe%20specs<\/p>\n

%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2.0-litre%204-cyl%20turbo%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E190hp%20at%205%2C600rpm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E320Nm%20at%201%2C500-4%2C000rpm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E7-speed%20dual-clutch%20auto%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFuel%20consumption%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E10.9L%2F100km%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh119%2C900%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENow%3C%2Fp%3E%0A<\/p>\n

Killing of Qassem Suleimani<\/p>\n

%3Cp%3EMATA%0D%3Cbr%3EArtist%3A%20M.I.A%0D%3Cbr%3ELabel%3A%20Island%0D%3Cbr%3ERating%3A%203.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A<\/p>\n

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pocketsMore on Quran memorisation:THE LIGHT<\/p>\n

Director: Tom Tykwer<\/p>\n

Starring: Tala Al Deen, Nicolette Krebitz, Lars Eidinger<\/p>\n

Rating: 3\/5<\/p>\n

Company%20profile<\/p>\n

%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Ogram%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2017%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Karim%20Kouatly%20and%20Shafiq%20Khartabil%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDubai%2C%20UAE%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20On-demand%20staffing%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2050%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMore%20than%20%244%20million%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%20round%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Series%20A%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EGlobal%20Ventures%2C%20Aditum%20and%20Oraseya%20Capital%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A<\/p>\n

The specs<\/p>\n

Engine: <\/strong>3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo<\/p>\n

Power: <\/strong>398hp from 5,250rpm<\/p>\n

Torque: <\/strong>580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm<\/p>\n

Transmission: <\/strong>Eight-speed auto<\/p>\n

Fuel economy, combined: <\/strong>6.5L\/100km<\/p>\n

On sale: <\/strong>December<\/p>\n

Price: <\/strong>From Dh330,000 (estimate)<\/p>\n

COMPANY%20PROFILE<\/p>\n

%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESmartCrowd%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2018%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESiddiq%20Farid%20and%20Musfique%20Ahmed%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDubai%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFinTech%20%2F%20PropTech%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInitial%20investment%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%24650%2C000%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECurrent%20number%20of%20staff%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2035%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESeries%20A%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EVarious%20institutional%20investors%20and%20notable%20angel%20investors%20(500%20MENA%2C%20Shurooq%2C%20Mada%2C%20Seedstar%2C%20Tricap)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A<\/p>\n

More from Neighbourhood Watch:<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The first Emirati to chair an international satellite operators\u2019 body has said his priorities will be tackling the…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":89108,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[270],"tags":[18,19,17,133,451,1702,1217,3821],"class_list":{"0":"post-89107","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-space","8":"tag-eire","9":"tag-ie","10":"tag-ireland","11":"tag-science","12":"tag-space","13":"tag-standard","14":"tag-story","15":"tag-uae-desk-team"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/89107","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=89107"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/89107\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/89108"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=89107"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=89107"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=89107"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}