Is the connected world ready for a future where satellites power smartphones, farms, and even factories?
For Steven Doiron, EVP, Regulatory and Spectrum Affairs at Yahsat, these industries must “make sure that the offerings of 5G and satellites manage to exist in the same spectrum and in the same space.”
Satellite and non-terrestrial network (NTN) technologies are rapidly evolving and spawning new ecosystems that go far beyond traditional satellite communications. These ecosystems are increasingly blending with terrestrial networks, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
Direct-to-Device (D2D) Connectivity
The global D2D market is expected to generate a total operator revenue of USD 2.8 billion from 2025 to 2029. During this period, direct-to-cell connections are projected to grow to 63 million by 2029, reflecting a substantial increase in user adoption.
Given the Middle East's commitment to advancing satellite communication technologies, as evidenced by initiatives like Yahsat's ‘Project Sky’ and Viasat's demonstrations in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia (KSA), the region is capitalizing on the global growth of D2D connectivity. The integration of satellite technology with terrestrial networks can enhance connectivity across diverse sectors and geographies, addressing challenges in remote and underserved areas.
Analysis: Is D2D the Key to Unlocking Seamless Connectivity Everywhere?
IoT via Satellite
In the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, Grand View Research found that the satellite IoT market will reach over USD 191.2 million by 2030. Saudi Arabia is anticipated to register the highest growth rate in the region, reflecting its commitment to technological advancement and digital transformation.
In terms of use cases, the integration of satellite IoT modules in agriculture enables real-time monitoring of soil conditions and crop health, optimizing resource usage and yield. In logistics, satellite IoT facilitates end-to-end tracking of shipments, enhancing supply chain efficiency. For wildlife conservation, satellite-connected sensors aid in monitoring animal movements and habitats, contributing to preservation efforts.
Analysis: From Earth to Orbit: Harnessing IoT and Space Tech for Industry Progress
5G-NTN Integration
The integration of satellite technology into 5G networks—enabled by 3GPP Release 17—is reshaping global connectivity, especially in regions underserved by fiber or microwave backhaul. 5G non-terrestrial networks allow low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to backhaul mobile traffic and extend coverage to remote or disaster-hit areas.
Network vendors are leading the charge in this shift. Notably, Nokia teamed up with AST SpaceMobile, consequently achieving the world's first space-based 5G cellular broadband connection, while simultaneously providing connectivity to underserved regions around the world.
Companies like Apple, Huawei, ZTE, Qualcomm, Motorola, MediaTek, and Iridium have also formed strategic partnerships within the cellular mobile and satellite industries, indicating the upcoming introduction of satellite communications into the mainstream consumer market.
In the Middle East, Saudi Arabia’s CST led the region’s first successful NTN trials in 2024, testing smart devices connected via 5G-compatible satellites. This effort complements UAE-based du and SES's initiative, where SES’s medium Earth orbit (MEO) satellites enabled 5G backhaul for enterprise use in remote areas like offshore oil fields.
Looking at other regions, 5G NTN solutions are being tested in Africa and Southeast Asia to help close the digital divide. These trials focus on providing rural broadband, aiding disaster recovery, and enhancing IoT and mobile services in areas with limited or no ground infrastructure.
Analysis: Sky High Connectivity: The Dawn of 5G NTN Integration
Cloud and Edge Computing for NTN
The convergence of satellite networks with cloud and edge computing is enabling real-time analytics for applications like Earth observation (EO), disaster response, and IoT.
In the Middle East, this transformation is evident. For example, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) in the UAE utilizes AWS Ground Station to downlink data. By integrating with AWS services, MBRSC accelerates image processing for applications, including wildfire monitoring and environmental assessments.
Satellite-as-a-Service Models
Satellite-as-a-Service (SataaS) models are providing access to space-based capabilities, enabling organizations to lease satellite capacity or task satellites on demand, without owning infrastructure. This democratization is particularly impactful in sectors such as agriculture, climate research, defense, and logistics.
In the Middle East, the SataaS ecosystem is gaining momentum. Bayanat, Yahsat, and ICEYE have expanded their domestic Earth observation satellite fleet to seven spacecraft, enhancing regional coverage and offering services tailored to local needs. This expansion supports applications operating in the environmental monitoring, urban planning, and disaster response fields.
In addition, Orange MEA and Eutelsat have formed a strategic partnership to speed up the rollout of satellite internet across the region. This collaboration focuses on bridging the digital divide by delivering broadband access to remote areas, ultimately enhancing digital inclusion in the region.
As Danial Mausoof, Market Head, Technology and Solutions for Mobile Networks, Middle East and Africa at Nokia, highlighted, “In an era where digital connectivity is synonymous with progress, bridging the digital divide has become a crucial focus for telecommunications companies worldwide.”
Aviation and In-Flight Connectivity (IFC)
Local airlines are upgrading to LEO-based satellite systems to achieve low-latency, in-flight internet. In October 2024, Qatar Airways became the first airline in the MENA region to offer SpaceX's Starlink high-speed internet onboard. The inaugural flight, QR1 from Doha to London Heathrow, provided passengers with free Wi-Fi, delivering download speeds of up to 215 Mbps. This service supports seamless streaming, video calls, and online gaming throughout the entire flight. By the end of 2025, Qatar Airways plans to equip all its Boeing 777s and Airbus A350s with Starlink.
Emirates has also rolled out Airbus's HBCplus satellite communication system on its new A350-900 aircraft, a first in the Middle East. This cutting-edge technology provides high-speed, low-latency global connectivity, improving the passenger experience on medium- and long-haul flights.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia's new airline, Riyadh Air, has partnered with Viasat to offer fast, free in-flight connectivity for its loyalty program members. Available on Boeing 787 Dreamliners, this service allows passengers to enjoy streaming, social media access, and web browsing from gate to gate.
In the future, air-to-ground (A2G) technology will offer distinct advantages in live communication, notably due its extensive equipment compared to satellite systems. According to Ramy Moselhy, Chief Strategy Officer at SCIT Group, “A2G technology boasts higher capacity in communications, providing air passengers with increased speed and capacity during flights.”
Connected Vehicles and Smart Mobility
The 3GPP Release 18 introduces significant enhancements to vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communications via satellite. These advancements aim to provide robust connectivity for autonomous vehicles (AVs), especially in areas lacking terrestrial network coverage. Key improvements include better support for sidelink communication, improved positioning services, and enhanced integration of satellite access into the 5G system.
Major automotive manufacturers, including Toyota, Hyundai, and Nissan, are actively exploring satellite-enabled V2X solutions to enhance vehicle safety and connectivity. LEO satellite providers are collaborating with these original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to facilitate real-time navigation, over-the-air updates, and emergency communication services, particularly in remote or underserved regions.
Analysis: Shifting Gears: The Dawn of Smart, Connected Cars
Earth Observation Data-as-a-Service
Earth Observation Data-as-a-Service (EO-DaaS) is rapidly reshaping how the planet is monitored. In fact, the global EO market alone is expected to exceed USD 8 billion by 2033, rising from its current value of around USD 5 billion. This growth is being driven by increasing defense and government contracts, as well as breakthroughs in high-resolution imaging and 3D Earth modeling.
A major recent development is TerraMind, an open-source artificial intelligence (AI) model launched by IBM and the European Space Agency (ESA) for Earth and climate monitoring. Built on TerraMesh—the largest geospatial dataset ever assembled—TerraMind delivers a new level of performance and efficiency in satellite-powered analytics.
In the Middle East, momentum around environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals and climate finance is fueling greater interest in EO solutions. As the demand for real-time environmental intelligence rises, the region is expected to increasingly adopt satellite-based analytics for sustainable agriculture, carbon tracking, water resource management, and climate risk assessment.
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NTN for Industrial Private Networks
In the Middle East, the oil and gas (O&G) sector is exploring the deployment of satellite-enabled private 5G networks to enhance operational efficiency and safety. Given the region's extensive oil and gas infrastructure, integrating NTNs can provide robust connectivity solutions at remote drilling sites and offshore platforms.
Mining operations in remote desert regions of the Middle East are also reportedly adopting NTN-enabled networks to support autonomous machinery, real-time environmental monitoring, and safety systems. These networks facilitate continuous data transmission from sensors and equipment, enhancing operational efficiency and worker safety.
As the Middle East invests in renewable energy, offshore wind farms are being developed in areas with limited terrestrial connectivity. NTN-enabled private 5G networks provide the necessary communication infrastructure for monitoring and controlling wind turbines, ensuring optimal performance and rapid response to fluctuating environmental conditions.
Analysis: Factory of Tomorrow: Private 5G Networks Redefine Manufacturing
