Starlink begins UAE service against backdrop of Iran war

Starlink, the satellite internet platform owned by US billionaire Elon Musk, has begun offering service in the UAE.

The rollout comes as the Iran conflict rages, with Iran striking oil and gas infrastructure across the Gulf countries.

The company offers two plans for residential users, with the first, an unlimited data plan costing AED300 per month, according to the Starlink website.

The residential “lite” plan is 23 percent cheaper at AED230 per month. It offers a “deprioritised” data service, meaning speeds slow down during peak congestion.

However, Starlink users must purchase the hardware separately, with prices starting from around AED1,099.

In November, Dubai-based Emirates said it would deploy Starlink across its entire 232-aircraft in-service fleet by mid-2027, starting with Boeing 777s in late 2025 and moving to Airbus A380s in 2026. 

Qatar Airways was the first Gulf airline to launch Starlink service across its Boeing 777 fleet in October 2024. Saudi Arabia and Oman have also approved Starlink.

Bahrain’s flag carrier, Gulf Air, will roll out Starlink across its entire fleet starting mid-2026. 

Further reading:

• Starlink team in Iraq for final licensing talks
• Gulf Air to offer Starlink internet on flights from mid-2026
• Musk’s Starlink gets licence to launch Lebanon service