Emirates SkyCargo has successfully transported the Arab Satellite 813 from Dubai to its launch site, working in close coordination with the National Space Science and Technology Center at UAE University.
The collaboration marks a milestone in the UAE's space journey and reflects the country's growing logistics capacity on the international stage.
Leveraging the airline's recently launched Aerospace and Engineering vertical, Emirates SkyCargo provided stringent levels of environment control and security throughout Arab Satellite 813's earthbound journey.
It said that from NSSTC's Assembly, Integration, and Testing (AIT) facility in Al Ain, the satellite was trucked to Emirates SkyCargo's state-of-the-art facility at Dubai World Central via a bespoke branded truck.
Upon arrival, the satellite was housed in a dedicated temperature-controlled area, before it boarded EK9874, a Boeing 777 freighter, to Shanghai, China.
"Given the highly technical and irreplaceable value of Arab Satellite 813, the National Space Science and Technology Center needed to be certain that the transportation would be handled with precision, care and reliability – the cornerstones of our Aerospace and Engineering vertical," said Badr Abbas, divisional senior vice president, Emirates SkyCargo.
"Working in lockstep with various stakeholders before, during and after the shipment, we provided a bespoke and seamless multi-modal solution all the way from Al Ain to Shanghai. We are proud to support the UAE's bold and ambitious space endeavours," he added.
The Arab Satellite 813 is an observation satellite which is intended to monitor earth, the environment and the climate.
It was initiated under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice president and prime minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, as a landmark initiative to enhance Arab cooperation in space and opens the opportunity for Arab scientists and researchers to actively participate in the development and use of space technologies.
Ali Al Shehhi, drector of the National Space Science and Technology Center (NSSTC) at UAEU, said the Arab Satellite 813 represents a milestone in the trajectory of joint Arab space efforts and demonstrates the Center's ability to lead and execute advanced space projects that elevate the UAE's position among leading nations in this vital sector.
"At NSSTC, we take pride in our role in advancing scientific research, technological development, and the training of national talent capable of shaping the future of space. Together with our strategic partners, we are working to lay the foundations for an integrated and sustainable Arab space ecosystem."
Emirates SkyCargo has supported several space-related logistics missions in recent years. In 2018, it transported KhalifaSat—the first satellite designed and built by Emirati engineers in the UAE—from Dubai to South Korea for launch. The carrier later handled the shipment of Amazonia-1 from São José dos Campos, Brazil, to Chennai, India, where the satellite was launched to monitor the Amazon rainforest.
In a separate collaboration with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, Emirates operated a one-off A380 flight featuring a custom astronaut decal. The flight marked a public celebration of the UAE’s space program, with astronauts Dr. Sultan AlNeyadi and Hazzaa AlMansoori on board as guests of honour.
