UAE's Thuraya is After Saudi Satellite Communication Market

The security and defense sectors depend on satellite communications solutions to maintain information security and quality of service (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The security and defense sectors depend on satellite communications solutions to maintain information security and quality of service (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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UAE's Thuraya is After Saudi Satellite Communication Market

The security and defense sectors depend on satellite communications solutions to maintain information security and quality of service (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The security and defense sectors depend on satellite communications solutions to maintain information security and quality of service (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Thuraya, UAE's mobile satellite services company, is looking to seize new opportunities and expand its activities in the Saudi market.

Thuraya has been operating in the Saudi market for more than 20 years and provides the Kingdom's military sectors with all services related to mobile satellite communications.

Thuraya's Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Sulaiman Al Ali, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the company wants to boost its partnership with the Saudi government and defense sectors.

The current communications developments seek to provide services that include capabilities, information security, and equipment development, said Al Ali.

He noted the importance of the Kingdom's orientation to localize the military sectors after years of experience during the past years.

The CEO stated that the current generation is familiar with technology and capable of taking the next step, stressing that his company is working with its Saudi partners to localize specific areas to support local industries, especially since investors are interested in the local market.

The company continues to look for new investment opportunities in the Kingdom and other countries, especially in communication services and solutions, according to Al Ali.

He pointed out that the company is engaged in promising discussions with several Saudi institutions to achieve its goals.

Al Ali said that the World Defense Show, recently held in Riyadh, constitutes an important platform that brings regional and international operators together to create significant opportunities for dialogue.

Several new devices that serve the military and defense sectors are being developed, said Al Ali, noting that the company primarily focuses on helping government agencies and international relief organizations.

He indicated that satellite communication devices are widely used, noting that they are also required in the commercial sector that suffers from poor communication networks.

Defense institutions are always looking for reliable partners to obtain comprehensive solutions based on interoperability, said Al Ali, stressing that Thuraya provides safety, security, and flexibility.

It can add a variety of solutions and applications that meet customer needs, including voice and data communications and push-to-talk (PTT), remote monitoring and disaster recovery, and border control.

Thuraya expanded its current commercial activities regionally and globally and provided new services.

It is preparing to launch top solutions, including next-generation satellite internet devices, said Al Ali, adding that it is cooperating with new distributors, such as Cobham, to provide satellite internet services in Libya, the Philippines, and Sudan.

He touched on Thuraya's new PTT radio communications over the Internet, indicating that it will interest the Saudi market as it supports many in need sectors.

Al Ali added that the service would achieve a fundamental transformation in the sector and enable users to extend their voice communications to wherever their equipment or teams are.



Gold Prices Dip on Profit-taking, US Data in Focus

FILE PHOTO: Gold bullions are displayed at GoldSilver Central's office in Singapore June 19, 2017. REUTERS/Edgar Su/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: Gold bullions are displayed at GoldSilver Central's office in Singapore June 19, 2017. REUTERS/Edgar Su/File Photo
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Gold Prices Dip on Profit-taking, US Data in Focus

FILE PHOTO: Gold bullions are displayed at GoldSilver Central's office in Singapore June 19, 2017. REUTERS/Edgar Su/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: Gold bullions are displayed at GoldSilver Central's office in Singapore June 19, 2017. REUTERS/Edgar Su/File Photo

Gold prices fell about 1% on Thursday as investors booked profits following a three-day rally, with markets eyeing US jobs data for clues on the Federal Reserve's rate path amid rising global trade tensions.

Spot gold, which dipped 0.5% to $2,904.51 an ounce as of 1211 GMT, has gained over 10% year-to-date. It hit a record high of $2,956.15 on February 24.

US gold futures also dropped 0.5% to $2,912.10.

"Gold seems to be experiencing profit-taking as investors closely watch tariff developments with prices trading toward $2,900 ahead of the non-farm payrolls report," Lukman Otunuga, senior research analyst at FXTM, said, Reuters reported.

Market focus is pinned on an escalating global trade war after the US imposed 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada on Tuesday along with fresh duties on Chinese goods.

Asian stocks rose as investors held out hope that trade tensions could ease after US President Donald Trump exempted some automakers from tariffs for a month.

Investors turn to gold as a safe haven asset when geopolitical and economic uncertainties loom.

"Unless there is a fresh direction catalyst, the current bearish price action may drag gold lower. Should prices break below the $2,900, this may signal further downside toward $2,880," Otunuga said.

The spotlight is on Friday's non-farm payrolls report, which is expected to show a gain of 160,000 jobs for February, economists polled by Reuters said.

Meanwhile, platinum prices were flat at $964.68 per ounce.

"We look for platinum to be undersupplied by 500,000 ounces, or 6.4% of demand, in 2025, keeping the metal in a deficit for a third consecutive year," UBS said in a note.

"Our market deficit should further reduce the above-ground inventories below 3 million ounces and help prices to move to USD 1,100/oz this year."

Spot silver dipped 0.7% to $32.39 an ounce and palladium shed 0.5% to $937.74.