Emirates Red Crescent Fortifies Remote Learning And Other Humanitarian Initiatives With Yahsat’s Satellite Services

23 March 2021

Emirates Red Crescent Authority has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the UAE’s primary satellite services operator, Yahsat, today at their headquarters in Abu Dhabi. Under the agreement, both organizations will work together to ensure disadvantaged and vulnerable students have access to quality education through the provision of advanced satellite communication solutions. Yahsat’s resources will be deployed to support the Authority’s remote education programmes and facilitate help for young people, families and schools in countries affected by disasters and crises.

The partnership will bolster the quality of education offered to refugees and displaced persons in their host countries. Yahsat and Emirates Red Crescent will provide students access to a range of advanced educational tools that will empower them to fulfil their considerable potential and lead full, independent lives. The two entities have committed to promoting sustainable development goals and developing the knowledge and skills of learners in underserved communities through the application of artificial intelligence and modern digital technology over satellite in distance education.

The MoU was signed by Dr. Muhammad Ateeq Al Falahi, Secretary General of the Emirates Red Crescent and Ali Al Hashemi, Chief Executive Officer Designate of Yahsat. Yahsat will leverage its considerable expertise and resources anywhere within its satellite footprint, to address the gaps, wherever terrestrial telecommunication services are not available.

Dr. Muhammad Ateeq Al Falahi stressed that the MoU embodies the vision of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler's Representative in the Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of Emirates Red Crescent Authority, in forming meaningful and constructive partnerships between Emirati companies and institutions to strengthen their programmes aimed at resolving humanitarian challenges.

Al Falahi said: "The MoU is part of the Authority’s initiatives for the ‘Year of the 50th’, stemming from the two parties’ desire to work together in order to extend the reach of distance education in countries facing major challenges due to the prevailing global health crises. The partnership widens the scope for further collaboration between Emirates Red Crescent and Yahsat, signifying a major step forward in cooperation among UAE institutions to fulfil the nation’s aspirations on the humanitarian front - through joint projects and integrated programmes. Additionally, it is a major breakthrough in our efforts to create a responsive e-learning platform and thereby a modern technical educational system that meets the needs of students in refugee camps and the most vulnerable community groups. A learning system based on information technology and artificial intelligence, driven by satellite communications contributes to the continuation of their education despite the challenges.”

Al Falahi welcomed the Authority's partnership with Yahsat, commending the role it plays in promoting human values and charitable initiatives. He added: "With its noble goals and rich potential, this partnership adds a new dimension and qualitative shift in the programmes and initiatives by Emirates Red Crescent to help students resume their education in isolated areas."

Ali Al Hashemi said: “We bridge the connectivity divide in the underserved regions of the world. By connecting isolated communities, Yahsat helps them advance through education, quality healthcare and opportunities for socio-economic development. Our satellite broadband services can be deployed easily, effectively extending the reach of Emirates Red Crescent within our footprint, especially across the Middle East, Africa and Asia. This new partnership is set to redefine the possibilities of satellite connectivity and how help reaches the forgotten corners of the world.”