The Digital School, an initiative under the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, has announced a strategic global partnership with Starlink to expand access to high-quality digital education for learners in remote and underserved communities worldwide. The announcement was made on the sidelines of the World Government Summit 2026.
The partnership combines Starlink’s satellite connectivity with The Digital School’s digital learning ecosystem, enabling reliable internet access alongside structured, accredited educational programmes. The initiative aims to bridge connectivity gaps by delivering online learning platforms, digital content, and teacher training to communities with limited access to traditional education infrastructure.
The agreement was signed in the presence of Omar Sultan Al Olama, UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, who highlighted the importance of global partnerships in advancing future-ready education and ensuring equitable access to digital skills. Starlink representatives noted that the collaboration will allow students in connectivity-challenged regions to access online learning tools, global resources, and collaboration opportunities.
The first phase of the initiative targets 100 remote sites globally, with expansion planned based on impact and partnership readiness. Initial deployments have already begun, including three schools in Lesotho equipped with Starlink connectivity and integrated digital education systems, including devices, digital platforms, curriculum digitisation, and teacher training.
The initiative aligns with the UAE’s broader efforts to promote inclusive digital transformation in education and strengthen global collaboration through scalable, technology-driven learning models. Since its launch in 2020, The Digital School has reached more than 800,000 learners and trained over 30,000 digital educators across multiple regions.
