Riyadh, May 2025 – In a major move to boost digital infrastructure, Saudi Arabia has officially approved the use of SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service for the aviation and maritime sectors. The decision marks a pivotal step in the Kingdom’s broader push toward digital transformation and innovation in transportation and logistics.
High-Speed Connectivity for Air and Sea
The approval will allow aircraft and ships operating within Saudi Arabia to access Starlink’s high-speed, low-latency internet, powered by a vast network of low Earth orbit satellites. This will significantly improve connectivity across Saudi airspace and in key maritime routes such as the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf.
Announced at the Saudi-US Investment Forum
The announcement was made during the Saudi-US Investment Forum, which was held in Riyadh on May 13, 2025. High-profile tech leaders, including Elon Musk, Sam Altman of OpenAI, and Andy Jassy of Amazon, participated in the event, which served as a platform to unveil various tech-forward initiatives, including this landmark satellite communications deal.
Not for Residential Use—Yet
At present, the authorization applies solely to the aviation and maritime sectors. However, industry experts believe this could pave the way for wider Starlink adoption in Saudi Arabia, potentially expanding into residential and commercial areas in the future. Other Gulf nations like Qatar, Bahrain, and Jordan have already implemented Starlink for various use cases, with Qatar Airways notably integrating the service into its Boeing 777 fleet.
Part of a Broader Investment Push
The Starlink approval coincided with Saudi Arabia securing over $600 billion in investment commitments during U.S. President Donald Trump’s 2025 Middle East visit. It’s a clear indicator of the Kingdom’s ambition to become a hub for innovation, advanced technology, and future-ready infrastructure.
What This Means for the Industry
| Sector | Status | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Aviation | ✅ Approved | Seamless in-flight broadband, even over remote areas |
| Maritime Shipping | ✅ Approved | Enhanced safety and operations on high seas |
| Residential | 🚫 Not Yet Approved | Future potential for expansion |
Elon Musk Welcomes the Move
Elon Musk praised the Saudi approval, calling it a “transformative step” for industries that rely on connectivity in traditionally underserved regions. He also reiterated his vision for deploying advanced technologies—including autonomous vehicles and humanoid robots—across Saudi Arabia as part of the Kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030 goals.
Owais Qarni is a Co-Founder, Chief Editor, and Author of Saudi Scoop. He is passionate about tech, cars, and traveling. A Dreamer, Explorer & Optimist!
