To infinity and beyond (via Dubai): Emirates SkyCargo transports Arab Satellite 813

Dubai, UAE, 13 November 2025 – Working in close coordination with the National Space Science and Technology Center (NSSTC) at UAE University, Emirates SkyCargo, the cargo arm of the world’s largest international airline, transported Arab Satellite 813 from Dubai to its launch site. The collaboration marks a milestone in the UAE's space journey and highlights the unrivalled strength of the UAE’s global logistics capabilities.

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. 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.

Commenting on the shipment, Badr Abbas, Divisional Senior Vice President, Emirates SkyCargo said, “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. 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.”

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.

Commenting on this milestone, Mr. Ali Al Shehhi, Director 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 is no stranger to space exploration. In 2018, the airline was a part of UAE history as it chartered the first satellite developed and built by Emirati engineers in the UAE, KhalifaSat, from Dubai to South Korea. Building on this expertise, Emirates SkyCargo then uplifted the Amazonina-1 satellite from Sao Jose dos Campos, Brazil to Chennai, India, where it was launched to monitor the ecosystem of its namesake, the Amazon Rainforest, to name just a few missions the airline has supported.

Celebrating the UAE’s visionary national space initiatives and the synergies between aviation and aerospace, Emirates also hosted a one-off flight in collaboration with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC). An Emirates A380 was emblazoned with a specially designed astronaut decal as national heroes and astronauts, Dr Sultan AlNeyadi and Hazzaa AlMansoori, joined as guests of honour.