The SATExpo Summit opened at SATExpo 2026 at Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City Dubai, bringing together satellite operators, technology companies, government representatives and investors to examine emerging technologies and commercial opportunities shaping the space economy.
Held under the theme “Connectivity, Intelligence and the New Space Economy,” the Summit's opening day focused on “Connectivity & Intelligent Infrastructure”, with discussions covering direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity, artificial intelligence in orbit, satellite infrastructure and the commercialisation of space technologies.
Direct-to-device connectivity takes centre stage
A key focus of the opening programme was the emerging business case for Direct-to-Device (D2D) connectivity, as industry leaders examined whether satellite-enabled mobile services can develop into scalable commercial solutions.
In the session “Direct-to-Device: Separating the Business Case from the Hype,” Jassem Nasser, Chief Growth Officer of Space Services at Space42, discussed the opportunities and challenges surrounding the rapidly developing D2D segment.
Nasser said D2D connectivity should be viewed as an extension of terrestrial networks rather than a replacement, with satellite services increasingly becoming another layer of mobile infrastructure.
He identified spectrum access, regulation, interoperability and affordability as key considerations for making D2D commercially scalable, particularly in the GCC.
With strong terrestrial connectivity across the region, he said the focus could increasingly shift towards resilience, remote connectivity and mission-critical applications such as IoT and government services.
AI explores new role in satellite operations
The Summit also examined the growing role of artificial intelligence in satellite operations and data processing.
During a session focused on Orbitworks' Altair-1, which reached orbit on October 1, Dr Hamdullah Mohib, CEO of Orbitworks, discussed how onboard AI could accelerate the transformation of satellite imagery into actionable intelligence.
The session was followed by a panel titled “AI in Orbit: From Automating Operations to Trusting the Machine.”
The discussion brought together Dr Sara Ahmad, Chief Engineer – Licensing and Interconnection at the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority; Chetan Anand, Partner, Digital & TMT – IMEA at Roland Berger; and Rajeeshwaran Moorthy, Acting CEO of Space City Asia, Board Advisor at Pahang Aerospace City and President & Group CEO of KASDR Legacy in Space City Asia.
The panel examined how AI can enhance satellite operations while retaining human oversight and decision-making.
UAE-Malaysia space cooperation highlighted
Moorthy also highlighted growing cooperation between the UAE and Malaysia in space technology and talent development.
According to Moorthy, Space City Asia is working with the UAE Space Agency and plans to procure a satellite constellation from UAE-based Orbitworks.
The collaboration is also expected to include training opportunities for Malaysian students, allowing them to gain practical experience in satellite development in the UAE before applying that expertise in Malaysia.
“We want this to be an ecosystem that builds the best of space and learns the best of space together, allowing us to groom talent naturally so that the space culture gets to our younger generation,” Moorthy said.
Exhibitors showcase satellite and connectivity technologies
Alongside the Summit, the SATExpo exhibition floor is showcasing technologies spanning satellite communications, ground infrastructure, antennas, terminals and next-generation connectivity.
International exhibitors include Eutelsat, ST Engineering iDirect, INTEGRASYS, RSCC, APSTAR, Hughes and Space Communication Technologies, among others.
The technologies on display target a range of increasingly connected and data-driven applications across the satellite and communications sectors.
New partnerships and mobility solutions announced
Several technology developments and partnerships were also announced on the sidelines of SATExpo.
Space Communications Technologies SPC (SCT) and GIS HUB LLC announced a strategic partnership aimed at supporting innovation and digital transformation in Oman's satellite imagery and geospatial technology market.
The two Omani companies said they will combine their infrastructure, capabilities and expertise to develop integrated geospatial solutions for public- and private-sector clients across the region.
Orbit Communication Company (OCC) and StarWin also unveiled a hybrid satellite, broadcast and terrestrial mobility system.
Demonstrated using a Chinese DongFeng MHERO SUV, the system combines satellite and 5G-A connectivity to provide vehicles with services including live television, media content, messaging, location information and vehicle data.
ST Engineering iDirect highlights 5G and AI technologies
ST Engineering iDirect is showcasing its latest technologies for 5G non-terrestrial networks, AI-enabled satellite operations and multi-orbit connectivity.
These include its cloud-native Intuition ground system, Foresight AI operations platform and INT3000 multi-waveform 5G NR-NTN modem.
The company said the technologies are designed to support satellite operators managing increasingly complex networks while improving automation, interoperability and scalability.
The Satellite Innovation Showcase is also highlighting developments across payloads, antennas, terminals and ground systems.
Meanwhile, the Matchmaking Programme is connecting operators, technology providers, investors and government stakeholders around potential partnerships and commercial opportunities.
Summit to examine space sustainability and investment
The concluding discussions on October 6 will focus on space sustainability, including orbital congestion, collision risks, liability and insurance as activity in space increases.
The SATExpo Summit will continue on October 7, with sessions examining resilient multi-orbit connectivity, space investment, satellite security and the commercial potential of deep-space activity.
Across its exhibition and conference programme, SATExpo 2026 is bringing together technology companies, investors, regulators and industry experts to examine the evolving commercial and technological landscape of the global satellite and space sector.
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