Arabsat-5C is a multi-mission satellite that will provide capacity in both C-band and Ka-band frequencies at the Arabsat position 20° East for a wide range of satellite communications services. The satellite is based on the Eurostar-3000 model equipped with a payload featuring 26 active transponders in C-band and 12 in Ka-band. The Arabsat-5C satellite will have a spacecraft power of 10 kW at the end of its 15-year design lifetime.

Astrium and Thales Alenia Space were jointly responsible for building the satellite and delivering it in orbit. Astrium (Airbus Defense & Space), the leading partner, will supply the Eurostar-3000 platforms and integrate the satellite. Thales Alenia Space designed and built the communications payloads. The team also upgraded the ground control segment for the extended Arabsat satellite fleet.

On September 21st 2011 launch operator Arianespace orbited ArabSat-5C in a dual launch on their Ariane 5ECA launcher with duo passenger SES-2 satellite for satellite operator SES.