Page 61 - SAMENA Trends - July-September 2024

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REGIONAL NEWS

UAE Among Top 20 Countries Operating SAR Satellites

The recent launch of the Synthetic Aperture surface and measures the reflected signal Bayanat and Yahsat, he expected the
Radar (SAR) satellite, titled ‘Foresight-1’, to provide high-resolution images, noting merger to be completed before the end
is a key achievement that reinforces the that, unlike traditional optical imaging of this year, subject to obtaining final
UAE’s global leadership in the space sector, satellites, SAR satellites can capture approvals from regulatory authorities in
according to Bayanat. Hasan Al Hosani, images day or night regardless of weather the UAE and internationally. He pointed out
Managing Director of Bayanat, a leading conditions or the reflection of sunlight. He that the merger contributes to establishing
provider of AI-powered geospatial solutions said that this technology will enhance the “Space42” as a leading Emirati company
and a subsidiary of G42, told the Emirates quality of geospatial solutions and services in the space sector with a global footprint,
News Agency (WAM) that Foresight-1 provided by Bayanat and Yahsat, in addition supporting the country's efforts to achieve
places the UAE among the prestigious list of to enhancing capabilities in disaster the directions of the National Space Strategy
20 countries around the world that operate management, marine monitoring, and 2030. Al Hosani stressed that Space42 will
SAR space assets, which strengthens its smart mobility applications. He pointed continue on the same path to achieve the
position in the space sector and supports out that Emirati citizens constituted more goals of the National Space Strategy 2030,
its growing capabilities in this field. He than 30% of the Earth Observation Space and support the country's efforts to develop
pointed out that the strategic roadmap Program, reflecting the commitment to its space capabilities, support national
drawn up by Bayanat and Al Yah Satellite developing highly qualified national cadres security, enhance innovation, encourage
Communications Company (Yahsat), is in one of the most vital sectors. international cooperation, drive economic
based on deploying a constellation of Bayanat and Yahsat merger growth, and enhance urban development
satellites with SAR technology in the near Regarding the expected merger between through space technology.
future.
Strategic plan
He explained that since the initial
announcement of the launch of the Earth
Observation Space Program in 2023, the
two companies have been implementing
the strategic plan for the Earth Observation
System, starting with the Foresight-1
satellite. He added: “After the successful
launch of the Foresight-1 satellite, we are
now able to operate space assets prepared
to cross over the Middle East region
repeatedly and in record time.” He stated
that what distinguishes the Foresight-1
satellite is that it provides continuous,
high-resolution monitoring solutions,
using SAR technology, which is an active
sensing system that illuminates the Earth's

Fiber Internet Covers Over 775,000 Homes in Oman

More than 750,000 (773,589) residential vices in the country. The percentage of nications sector increased to 878.5 million
units in the country are now covered with families using fixed broadband services in 2023 compared to 794.9 million in 2020,
fiber optic networks, according to the Tele- went up to 80 percent (561,983) in 2023 775.6 million in 2021 and 774.3 million in
communications Regulatory Authority in its from 75.5 percent (536,967) in 2022. The 2022. TRA also reported that major com-
latest annual report, which was published number of mobile phone users went up to plaints against telecommunication service
recently. The report added that there are 6,984,826 in 2023 from 6,749,535 in 2022. providers included anti-competitive prices
5,238 stations to provide 5G mobile ser- Total revenues created in the telecommu- and violation of regulatory obligations.

61 JULY-SEPTEMBER 2024