Yahsat launches local educational campaign to celebrate UAE National Day

Al Yah Satellite Communications Company (Yahsat), in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Educational Council, today announced the launch of a new educational campaign in celebration of the UAE’s 40^th national day.

The campaign, which will run until December 2nd, 2011, means that 40 Abu Dhabi schools will tour Yahsat’s state-of-the-art ground station facilities in Abu Dhabi. In addition to the tour, the students will receive video presentations of the launch, photo opportunities at the satellite antenna farm and talks from key Yahsat UAE national staff on the growth of the satellite industry and the economic benefits that Yahsat’s satellite programme brings to the UAE.

Commenting on the initiative, Tareq Abdulraheem Al Hosani, CEO of Yahsat, said: “We are delighted to announce this new educational initiative in celebration of the UAE’s 40^th national day. It is important that local students acknowledge and take pride in Yahsat’s contribution to our country’s economic development and we hope that many of them will be inspired and motivated to consider the satellite industry as a viable career option.

“Yahsat is investing in one of the world’s fastest growing industries; a sector that is creating the jobs of tomorrow through inspired leadership in a high-tech growth sector,” he concluded.

Mr.  Mohamed Salem Al Dhaheri, ADEC’s Executive Director of School Operations, said that ADEC is keen on developing student knowledge and enhancing their awareness through involving them in the various community activities as well as their participation in the major local and international events. “School visits to Yahsat headquarters, which coincide with UAE 40^th National Day celebrations, are considered unique opportunities that help our students acquire first-hand information on the new multi-purpose satellite system “Yahsat” and its benefits, in addition to enhancing their knowledge about satellite systems and their importance to the telecommunications sector”, added Mr. Al Dhaheri.

“The launch of Abu Dhabi’s Yahsat satellite is considered one of the most important achievements in the satellite communication sector in UAE at large.  It also reflects the vision of the emirate aiming at creating a diversified economic resource in line with Abu Dhabi’s Economic Vision 2030”, he added.

Launched in 2007, Yahsat designed the region’s first multi-purpose satellite system, based on extensive interaction with customers and research into their communication needs and aspirations. In April 2011, Yahsat launched its first satellite, Y1A, and working on the launch of its second satellite, Y1B, which is planned for the first quarter of 2012.