UAE and Starlink: Transforming Remote Education

UAE and Starlink Bring Digital Education to Remote Areas

The United Arab Emirates has reached another milestone in its efforts to take a leading role globally in digital education and technological equality. Announced at the World Government Summit 2026, a partnership with satellite internet provider Starlink enables even the most remote communities worldwide to access modern digital education through fast, stable internet connections.

The aim of the partnership: global educational equality

The initiative called 'The Digital School' operates under the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, founded by the Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Now, a strategic partnership has been formed with Starlink, which, through a low Earth orbit satellite system operated by SpaceX, offers high-speed internet access even in the world's most remote locations.

The first phase of the collaboration targets 100 locations that have been excluded from access to quality education. These schools will receive not only internet connectivity but also a comprehensive digital educational infrastructure: computers, learning platforms, digital versions of local curriculums, and teacher training programs. The goal is not merely to create technological access but to build a sustainable, long-term, impactful educational ecosystem.

New dimensions of digital learning

The initiative does not just provide internet access but seeks to redefine the entirety of digital education. The Digital School program aims to turn internet access into a structured, accredited learning process, including customized educational materials, learning platforms, and teacher development tools.

The program also emphasizes inspiration and future-oriented education: through the collaboration, educational programs in space sciences are being launched using the Starlink and SpaceX ecosystem. The aim is to spark curiosity among students, expand their future career options, and link education with future technological horizons.

Initial successes: the example of Lesotho

The initiative already shows tangible results. In Lesotho, South Africa, three schools have been equipped with Starlink internet access, as well as the full digital infrastructure from The Digital School. These schools have implemented digital versions of the local curriculum, computers, learning management systems, and training for teachers. This means not only do students have access to better quality education, but teachers also receive the necessary tools and training to teach in a digital environment.

Linguistic diversity and inclusivity

The Digital School prioritizes inclusivity and localization. Its educational and training content is currently available in seven languages: Arabic, English, French, Spanish, Sorani Kurdish, Portuguese, and Bahasa Indonesian. This linguistic diversity enables students worldwide to access materials in their native languages, making the learning process more natural and effective.

By the numbers: over 800,000 learners and 30,000 educators

Since its inception in 2020, the program has reached over 800,000 students and trained more than 30,000 educators. These numbers are impressive on their own, but the current partnership with Starlink can further amplify this impact. Breaking through technological barriers, education can enter a new era that is not place-bound but genuinely global, providing accessible and measurable outcomes.

What does all this mean for the UAE?

For the United Arab Emirates, this partnership represents not just a technological advancement but a strategic level message: the country aims to ensure a digital future not only for its population but also seeks to take a leading role globally in access to education. The collaboration with Starlink aligns well with the country's commitment to remote work, artificial intelligence, and the digital economy.

Steps in digital education make it clear that the UAE's vision aims to manifest not just within its borders but to be a transformative force globally—in technological, educational, and social spheres alike.

Summary

The partnership between Starlink and The Digital School is a revolutionary step in expanding the global accessibility of digital education. It's not merely a technical development but a comprehensive, human-centered educational ecosystem that offers new opportunities even for the world's most isolated communities. With this, the UAE has made it clear: the future of education is borderless, digital, inclusive—and now more accessible than ever.