Is Starlink available in the UAE in 2025 and how much does it cost?

Curious whether Starlink works in the UAE in 2025 and what it costs? This up-to-date guide explains Starlink’s regulatory status in the UAE, what services are already licensed (maritime/aviation), typical Starlink price tiers elsewhere for comparison, and what to expect next. Sources linked.

As of late 2025, Starlink consumer (residential) services are not yet authorized for general use in the United Arab Emirates — the service is still listed as pending regulatory approval while UAE authorities develop rules for satellite reseller/consumer services. The UAE has issued targeted licences (notably for maritime use), and commercial aviation deals (for example, Emirates’ planned rollout) are progressing — but ordinary home/residential Starlink subscriptions are not widely available in the UAE yet. For pricing: there is no official UAE residential Starlink price because the consumer service is not active there yet. To estimate costs, we look at Starlink’s standard global plan pricing and regional examples below.

Why Starlink isn’t widely available in the UAE yet

Starlink (SpaceX) needs local regulatory approval in each country before it can sell consumer hardware and provide nation-wide residential service. In the UAE, regulators have been working through frameworks for satellite reseller services and licensing. While some licences were granted for maritime satellite internet uses and public consultations have been held about reseller models, full consumer/residential permissions were still pending as of mid-to-late 2025. That means the official Starlink map and Starlink’s own statements list the UAE as pending approval for broad consumer service.

What Starlink services are already present or possible in the UAE

1. Maritime license: The UAE’s regulator has published documents showing Starlink was granted a license for maritime satellite internet services — a sign that specific vertical uses (vessels, rigs, marinas) are being permitted ahead of general consumer launches.

2. Aviation deals: Emirates has publicly announced plans to install Starlink on its widebody fleet, and the airline and SpaceX are coordinating for in-flight connectivity. Those aviation installations require separate authorizations and are progressing, but they do not equate to open consumer home service across the country.

3. Resellers & consultations: The UAE telecom authority has launched consultations on satellite reseller services; the final rules will determine whether authorised local resellers can sell Starlink kits and monthly plans domestically. Until resellers or Starlink itself are authorized for consumer markets, customers cannot sign up through the Starlink website for UAE residential service.

So — can you buy Starlink equipment in the UAE today?

No official consumer channel yet. Some third-party companies may promote Starlink hardware or maritime/aviation integrations, but the Starlink website and official resellers only operate in countries where Starlink is licensed. Attempting to import Starlink gear for residential use can run into legal, warranty, and support issues unless a local licence or authorised reseller is in place. Always check Starlink’s coverage map and local regulator announcements before purchasing.

If there’s no UAE price, how much would Starlink cost?

Because Starlink pricing is country-specific (hardware, shipping, taxes, and monthly fees vary), there’s no firm UAE price until the service is authorized. Below are commonly seen Starlink price components from markets where it is active — useful for estimating what to expect:

• Hardware (one-time): Historically Starlink kits have ranged from roughly $199–$599 (smaller portable dishes vs full residential kits) depending on model and region. Starlink has changed hardware and pricing frequently in 2024–2025.

• Monthly subscription: In many markets Starlink residential plans have fallen in the $40–$80/month band for common plans (variants like “Residential”, “Residential Lite”, “Roam”, or “Business” change price and performance). The exact AED amount will depend on taxes and local import/reseller pricing.

• Special modes (e.g., Ocean / Roam): Starlink publishes region or mode-specific pricing (for example, per-GB pricing for Ocean Mode). For Ocean Mode the company lists an AED figure for UAE in published public files — that shows SpaceX prepares region-specific billing structures even before full consumer launch.

Practical estimate: If/when UAE residential Starlink launches, expect a one-time hardware cost (converted to AED and including VAT/imports) plus a monthly fee roughly equivalent to the global mid-range plan. But this is only an estimate — final UAE prices depend on licensing rules, VAT, and whether local resellers add markups.

How Starlink in the UAE compares with neighbouring countries

Starlink is active in several Middle East states (Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Jordan, Israel and others) where typical pricing and availability differ. The UAE’s cautious approach — permitting specific industrial sectors first (maritime, aviation) — mirrors how some other countries have allowed limited vertical deployments before full residential rollouts. If you’re comparing costs and availability, look at neighbouring countries where Starlink is live as a rough benchmark, but always convert to AED and add import/tax considerations.

Step-by-step: How to check current Starlink availability and price for UAE

1. Check Starlink’s official coverage map (enter a UAE address to see the status shown for that location).

2. Read Starlink’s service page for current plan types and global pricing examples; this gives a sense of hardware vs monthly fees.

3. Watch UAE regulator announcements (TDRA/TRA/NTC) for reseller consultations and licence publications — these determine when consumer sales will be allowed. Local news outlets (The National, Gulf News) and the regulator’s website publish updates.

4. Follow airline and maritime partnerships for early Starlink uses (e.g., Emirates’ planned roll-out for in-flight Wi-Fi) to understand where the service will appear first in the country.

What to expect next (timeline & likely scenarios)

• Short term (months): Regulators may finalise reseller rules and maritime/aviation authorizations will expand. This is likely to produce pilot deployments in industry verticals (ships, rigs, aircraft).

• Medium term (6–18 months): If the regulator approves consumer reseller models or direct Starlink licensing, authorised resellers or Starlink could begin accepting UAE residential sign-ups and publish AED prices.

• Possible hurdles: National rules on spectrum, security, and the role of incumbent telcos can slow rollout or require local partnerships — typical in many countries as regulators balance openness with control.

FAQ 

Q: Can I sign up for Starlink in the UAE right now?
A: Not for standard residential service. Starlink’s consumer sign-up for UAE is pending regulatory approval; maritime and aviation licences exist in limited form.

Q: Will Emirates flights use Starlink?
A: Emirates announced plans to install Starlink on its widebody fleet; the rollout and passenger availability depend on approvals and installation timelines. This is separate from consumer access on the ground.

Q: How much would Starlink cost in AED?
A: No official UAE AED price exists until the service is authorised. Expect an upfront hardware charge plus a monthly fee similar to global plans (converted to AED and adjusted for local taxes). See Starlink’s service pages for current plan ranges.

Q: Where can I get reliable updates?
A: Monitor Starlink’s official coverage map and UAE telecom regulator announcements (TDRA/TRA), and follow reputable UAE media outlets for licensing updates.

Final recommendations (what you should do now)

1. Bookmark Starlink’s coverage map and service page and check them periodically.

2. Follow UAE regulator (TDRA) releases and major UAE news outlets for policy updates that will determine when consumer service can launch.

3. If you need satellite connectivity now, consider authorised maritime/aviation providers or local VSAT suppliers that already operate under UAE licences — they can be legal, supported alternatives until consumer Starlink is approved.