Named after a Taurus constellation of stars, Thuraya was founded in 1997 by a consortium of 21 leading national telecommunications operators and international investment houses.

Thuraya offers cost-effective satellite-based mobile telephone services to nearly one third of the globe. Through its dynamic dual-mode satellite handsets and products, Thuraya enhances freedom of movement and connectivity.

Thuraya provides blanket coverage to more than 120 countries in Europe, North, Central Africa and large parts of Southern Africa, the Middle East, Central and South Asia: a landmass inhabited by an estimated 2.3 billion people in highly populated and large areas with low telecoms penetration.

Thuraya owns and operates their own satellites which were built by US satellite manufacturer Boeing Satellite Systems formerly Hughes. The Thuraya-1 satellite was successfully launched on board a Sea Launch Zenit-3SL rocket from the equator in the middle of the Pacific Ocean on 21st October 2000. The launch was a record success, as it was the first satellite initiated from the Middle East and also the satellite was the heaviest to be launched ever.

Thuraya's second satellite Thuraya 2 was launched on the 10th of June 2003. The Thuraya 2 satellite was deployed into geosynchronous transfer orbit by Sea Launch, which was also the launching vehicle for Thuraya's first satellite. Designed for a 12-15 year lifespan, the Thuraya 2 satellite is positioned in Geosynchronous Orbit, 35,786 km (22,236 miles) above the Earth, at 44 degrees East Longitude and inclined at 6.3 degrees.

The Thuraya- 3 satellite which was built by Boeing Satellite Systems, was successfully launched on the 15th of January 2008 from the Odyssey Launch Platfrom at 154 degres West Longitude. The Zenith- 3SL rocket placed the 5,173 kg Thuraya 3 into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit. Thuraya's third satellite is expected to expand system capacity and coverage area. The Primary Gateway in Sharjah, UAE, serves the entire Thuraya coverage area, and plans are underway to establish additional national gateways at other locations as necessary.

Thuraya's high degree of flexibility and convenience has changed the way people live and work; their day-to-day lifestyles and the manner in which they keep in touch with business associates and customers, families and friends.