SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
FADA, the new EDGE space company, will focus on building sovereign space capabilities within the UAE, including the development of satellites and subsystems, as well as fostering national talent in the space sector, said Dr. Mohamed Alahbabi, Senior Advisor – Space and Cyber Technologies at EDGE Group. Speaking to Aletihad on the sidelines of the two-day Global Aerospace Summit, which commenced its seventh edition on Wednesday, Dr. Alahbabi said the initiative reflects EDGE's broader goal of positioning the UAE as a leader in space technology and innovation.
FADA comes as part of EDGE's Space & Cyber Technologies cluster.
"This strategic move by EDGE enhances the UAE's space capabilities and complements existing national companies, showcasing our commitment to leveraging technology and expertise in space systems," he said.
By leveraging both national and international partnerships and facilitating the Transfer of Technology (ToT) and Transfer of Knowledge (ToK), FADA endeavours to create a self-reliant space sector that addresses national and commercial needs, making a substantial impact on the UAE's knowledge-based economy and economic diversification goals, according to the company.
In alignment with EDGE's strategic objectives, FADA will establish state-of-the-art facilities for the development, manufacturing, assembly, integration, as well as testing of satellite systems and subsystems.
This comprehensive approach will provide end-to-end solutions, comprising Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), Optical (EO), and Infrared (IR) payloads, as well as satellite cybersecurity services.
The launch of FADA follows EDGE's selection as the prime contractor for the UAE Space Agency's "Sirb" programme, which aspires to deploy a constellation of three synthetic aperture radar satellites by 2026.
Addressing the inherent challenges in the aerospace sector, Dr. Alahbabi noted that while space endeavours are complex and risky, they serve as indicators of a nation's advancement in knowledge and technology.
"Space exploration is always about risk, but it is also very exciting. Building capabilities in space, whether developing a satellite or a complete space system, serves as an indicator of a country's advancement," he said.
Driver of Innovation He also highlighted the importance of inspiring the next generation through space exploration. UAE astronauts, such as Hazzaa Al Mansoori and Sultan AlNeyadi, engage with students to promote interest in STEM education, demonstrating how space initiatives can ignite interest in science and technology careers.
"Individuals working in the space sector are always required to possess high-level skills, which serves as a means to advance skills and upskill society as a whole. Space acts as a driver of innovation and knowledge, inspiring people universally. When the topic of space arises, it genuinely excites everyone," he added.
Dr. Alahbabi said that the UAE's space sector is maturing, noting that many innovative ideas and initiatives are on the horizon.
"Looking ahead to the next ten years, we anticipate significant advancements, including missions to the Moon and the development of the Moon Gateway. We expect to see more astronauts from the UAE participating in these endeavours. Numerous activities and programmes are on the horizon, and my team and I are excited about the future," he added.
Running until September 26 at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort in Abu Dhabi, the Global Aerospace Summit gathers experts, exploring innovative solutions across the aerospace, space, and defence sectors.