Thuraya inaugurates branch office in Asia-Pacific

The branch office, which was preceded by a temporary office since fourth quarter 2006, aims to build and develop Thuraya's commercial and distribution partnerships in all Eastern Asian markets. Following the initial set-up of the office and growth of its activities, the Branch Office has been moved to a permanent location in the business district of Singapore on North Bridge Road.

Celebrating this key milestone, Thuraya staged a grand reception ceremony to officially inaugurate its new branch office in the Parkview Tower, which was attended by the UAE Ambassador to Singapore Mr. Asim Al Rahmah and a number of Arab ambassadors, CEOs of airline, banking, and oil and gas sectors in Singapore, local media and existing Thuraya's SPs in the region.

In a welcome speech at the ceremony, Thuraya's CEO Mr. Yousuf Al Sayed said opening a branch office in Singapore is part of the company's strategic expansion plan towards Asia Pacific which is aimed at expanding Thuraya's current coverage area and population under its footprint by two folds with the launch of its third Geo-satellite in October 2007.

'With a proven range of satellite products and services, including the world's largest subscriber base for mobile satellite handheld solution, the world's 'Smallest' and 'Smartest' satellite handheld phones, Thuraya is expecting a major business success in Asia Pacific as already evidenced in the high-profile deals signed in the region to date,'

said Thuraya's CEO.

Mr. Al Sayed also pointed out that establishing a fully-fledged branch office with experienced people is a sign of commitment towards reaching out and serving the Asian markets closely and efficiently. 'Singapore was chosen as our office hub primarily because of its location and proximity to the whole region, its advanced infrastructure and its dynamic business approach,' he said.

The opening of Thuraya's branch office comes on the day before the company takes part in the major Asian telecom event CommunicAsia 2007 Conference & Exhibition hosted at Singapore Expo Centre from 19 to 22 June.

'We are very keen to come to this and other telecom events in Asia Pacific in order to meet our potential commercial partners, customers and regulatory officials and understand their local needs,' he added regarding their participation in CommunicAsia.

Thuraya will have a big stand in Hall 6 (Stand No. B1-01) at CommunicAsia Exhibition.

In recent months, Thuraya has successfully launched the world's smallest (SO-2510) and the world's smartest (SG-2520) satellite handheld phones, which are identical to GSM handsets in terms of size, weight and advanced mobile functionalities.

Last week also, the company launched the 'ThurayaECO' as an innovative service for its prepaid subscribers with up to 70% lower and competitive prices to GSM services in 77 countries in Europe, Africa, Middle East and Central and South Asia.