Latest news with #ARABSAT
Gulf Business
17-06-2025
- Science
- Gulf Business
Saudi Arabia marks 40 years since Prince Sultan bin Salman's historic space mission
Image: Supplied Saudi Arabia today commemorated the 40th anniversary of Prince Sultan bin Salman's landmark journey aboard On June 17, 1985, Prince Sultan, then a 28-year-old Royal Saudi Air Force pilot, joined the international crew of the STS-51-G mission as a payload specialist. The seven-day mission saw the successful deployment of the Arabsat-1B satellite, a significant achievement for the Arab Satellite Communications Organization (ARABSAT) and the wider Arab world. During the mission, which completed 111 orbits of Earth, Prince Sultan conducted scientific experiments, including studying the interaction of oil and water in microgravity, and became the first person to read the holy Qur'an in space — a moment that resonated deeply across the Muslim world. 'Prince Sultan's mission was more than a historic achievement; it set the stage for what has become a shining example of what the future holds for the Arab world,' said Lisa La Bonte, CEO of TSEC and a pioneer in the MENA space education sector. 'His legacy drives the kingdom's — and the region's — space ambitions, fostering innovation and supporting economic initiatives like Vision 2030.' Read: Saudi Arabia's first 'najmonaut' Prince Sultan's achievement has become a symbol of Saudi Arabia's commitment to scientific advancement and its leadership in the region's emerging space sector. Often referred to as the first 'najmonaut' (Arab astronaut), his legacy continues to inspire new generations of explorers and innovators. 'Seeing Earth from space gave me a new perspective on our shared humanity,' Prince Sultan reflected. 'It's a reminder that our ambitions must always serve the greater good, pushing technology and knowledge to improve life on our planet.' The 40th anniversary serves as both a celebration of past achievement and a reaffirmation of the kingdom's long-term vision for space exploration and technological progress.
Broadcast Pro
24-02-2025
- Business
- Broadcast Pro
Qvest and Arabsat collaborate to launch OTT platform
This agreement modernises media distribution in the MENA region, equipping broadcasters and content owners with the tools to navigate and thrive in the evolving digital entertainment space. Qvest and Arabsat have signed a Memorandum of Understanding at FOMEX 2025 in Riyadh to develop a high-performance OTT streaming platform. This strategic collaboration will enable Arabsat to expand its direct-to-consumer services while offering customisable, white-label solutions for broadcasters and content providers. With the growing demand for seamless, multi-device content access, Arabsat is strengthening its role in the digital media transformation. Leveraging Qvest's expertise in cloud-based solutions, SaaS and end-to-end OTT platforms, the partnership will introduce a scalable, AI-driven platform featuring personalised recommendations, diverse monetisation models and advanced content management tools. Beyond technology, Qvest will provide Arabsat with business consultancy, strategic guidance and support in building content partnerships, reinforcing its position in the evolving media landscape. The partnership will also facilitate collaborations with local and global content providers to enhance Arabsat's digital offerings. Speaking about the platform, Eng Alhamedi Alanezi, President and CEO of Arabsat, said: 'This partnership with Qvest furthers Arabsat's strategy to transform media distribution. By offering reliable advanced OTT streaming capabilities alongside traditional satellite services, ARABSAT helps broadcasters boost audience reach and engagement in a changing media landscape.' Ahmad Hadi Al Kayal, Managing Director of Qvest MENA, added: 'We are proud to support Arabsat in shaping the future of OTT in the MENA region. Our collaboration will not only provide Arabsat with a cutting-edge streaming infrastructure but also enable business growth through a flexible and highly scalable digital media ecosystem.'
