Ali Al Hashmi is the Chief Executive Officer of Space Services at Space42’s unit focused on upstream satellite operations for fixed and mobility satellite solutions. He leads the company’s satellite infrastructure strategy and drives efforts to build sovereign space capabilities for the UAE and beyond.
Prior to the merger of Bayanat and Yahsat to form Space42, Al Hashmi served as Group CEO of Yahsat, where he played a key role in the company’s transformation and growth, while overseeing the business during its merger with Bayant AI PLC to create Space42 in 2024.
He led Yahsat’s successful listing on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) in 2021, which was the second-largest IPO in the exchange’s history at the time. He also held concurrent roles as CEO of Thuraya and General Manager of Yahsat Government Solutions (YGS), where he expanded Yahsat’s managed services and secured major government contracts, including those for Al Yah 1 and Al Yah 2 satellites.
With over 20 years of experience in the satellite and telecommunications sectors, Al Hashmi has a strong track record in commercial growth, operational excellence, and strategic leadership. He has been a driving force in shaping the UAE’s satellite industry. He led the integration and turnaround of Thuraya following its acquisition in 2018 and has been recognized for building strategic partnerships that promote innovation and industry resilience.
In 2023, he was appointed Vice Chair of the Global Satellite Operators Association (GSOA), the leading international organization representing satellite operators. Al Hashmi is the Chairman of the Global Satellites Operators Association and the National Space Science and Technology Center (NSSTC). He also serves on the Board of Directors of the UAE Space Agency (UAESA).
Al Hashmi’s accomplishments have earned him wide recognition, including being named one of the Top 100 CEOs in the Middle East by Forbes in both 2023 and 2024, as well as one of its Sustainability Leaders in 2023. Al Hashmi holds an MBA from London Business School.
