The first Emirati to chair an international satellite operators’ body has said his priorities will be tackling the growing threat of space debris and ensuring global connectivity.
Ali Al Hashemi, chief executive of Space Services unit at Abu Dhabi’s Space42, was appointed last week as chairman of the Global Satellite Operators Association, the world’s largest satellite industry body.
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.
It then presents a “unified voice” to regulatory bodies and international organisations like the UN's International Telecommunications Union.
Mr Al Hashemi outlined his agenda for the two-year term, saying that space sustainability is on the top of his list.
“The biggest challenge in the industry today is space debris,” Mr Al Hashemi told The National. “We are trying to build a strong agreement that would help unify everyone’s views.”
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.
How big is the problem?
The report said collision risks are likely to increase if more efforts are not made to mitigate the problem.
Collisions can break satellites into smaller fragments, creating even more debris.
In 2024, for example, the defunct Russian Resurs-P1 satellite broke apart in low-Earth orbit, creating more than 100 pieces of trackable debris.
There is still no globally binding law, only voluntary UN guidelines and charters that require satellite operators to deorbit spacecraft or remove debris.
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.
Mr Al Hashemi said another priority is ensuring countries have equal access to satellites and infrastructure that enables the internet.
“The question is how do we build a model where sovereignty of a country is respected and one where services are enhanced … that would be the winning formula,” he said.
Improving access to internet services is viewed as key to bridging a digital divide between high and low-income countries and driving international development.
About one-third of the world's population remains offline, according to the International Telecommunication Union.
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.
Space42 announced last week that it was working with US satellite giant Viasat to expand global satellite connectivity through satellite-to-device technology.
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.
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.
“The obstacle will not be coverage any more. It will be adhering to countries’ regulations and sovereignty,” he said.
“The second obstacle will be the price of the device, not the price of the service.”
He said he believed that the UAE is leading regulation and policy efforts to enhance sustainability and close the digital divide.
“So, being a chairman of the GSOA is aligned with the values of the UAE and of Space42,” said Mr Al Hashemi.
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.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
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Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
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2019: Trump tweets about “Khan’s Londonistan”, calling him “a national disgrace”
2022: Khan’s office attributes rise in Islamophobic abuse against the major to hostility stoked during Trump’s presidency
July 2025 During a golfing trip to Scotland, Trump calls Khan “a nasty person”
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2012-2015
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May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
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Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
What can you do?
Document everything immediately; including dates, times, locations and witnesses
Seek professional advice from a legal expert
You can report an incident to HR or an immediate supervisor
You can use the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s dedicated hotline
In criminal cases, you can contact the police for additional support
Test
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Desert Warrior
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UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
5 of the most-popular Airbnb locations in Dubai
Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:
• Dubai Marina
The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular locations, says Mr Grudziecki, due to their closeness to the beach, restaurants and hotels.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh482 to Dh739
Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104
• Downtown
Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure. “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154
• City Walk
The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena. “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210
• Jumeirah Lake Towers
Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh422 to Dh629
Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941
• Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152
