UAE-satellite operator, Yahsat, a private joint stock company fully owned by Mubadala, celebrated the tenth anniversary of its inauguration this week.

Leading the celebrations at a special gala dinner in Abu Dhabi, Chief Executive Officer Masood. M. Sharif Mahmood was joined by Yahsat’s Chairman H.E. Jassem Mohamed Al Zaabi, other members of the Board and VIP guests from the UAE Armed Forces, the UAE space agency and Mubadala. The special anniversary event, which was also attended by Yahsat staff, included congratulatory video messages from other major satellite industry players.

Since its inception in 2007, Yahsat has gone on to become the world’s seventh largest satellite operator in terms of revenue. In line with the UAE’s space ambitions, Yahsat launched its first satellite Y1A in 2011, with a second satellite, Y1B, launched the following year.  The company has also witnessed an impressive 63% Emiratisation rate during this time.

Later this year, Yahsat will deploy a third satellite, Al Yah 3. The newest addition to its fleet will provide high-quality broadband coverage to an additional 19 countries including first time entry to South America through Brazil.