Arabsat and Es'hailSat sign partnership to build up 26° East broadcast hub

Arabsat, the pan-Arab satellite operator, and Qatar's Es'hailSat agreed a strategic partnership on 29 October 2026. It was signed in Hammamet, Tunisia, on the sidelines of the ASBU broadcasting festival.

The deal aims to strengthen the 26° East orbital slot as a regional broadcast hub by adding channels and widening content diversity across the Middle East and North Africa. Cooperation also extends to satellite communications, VSAT services and connectivity solutions, with both operators set to explore technologies that improve service quality, efficiency and reliability.

They will also work together on the Unified Arab Bouquet, using international satellite coverage to carry Arab channels to audiences beyond the MENA region. The companies describe the agreement as a framework for long-term cooperation and joint projects. Arabsat chief executive Badr N. Alsuwaidan and Es'hailSat chief executive Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari commented on the deal.

Why it matters: Closer cooperation between two operators sharing the 26° East slot may widen broadcast and VSAT capacity serving North Africa. It signals continued consolidation of satellite communications infrastructure across the MENA region.