ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
International Holding Company (IHC) is in the process of acquiring an 80% stake in Marlan Holding, the company behind Abu Dhabi-based Marlan Space, through its wholly owned subsidiary International Tech Group SP, a statement from the company said.
The statement did not disclose the cost of the transaction. The acquisition remains subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.
Marlan Space invests in and operates companies and technologies across the space economy, with activities covering space systems, autonomous operations and advanced computing. Its portfolio combines investment, international technology partnerships and operational capabilities to build space businesses from Abu Dhabi.
The acquisition will expand IHC’s technology portfolio into deep technology and the emerging space economy, giving the group a platform spanning satellite infrastructure, advanced manufacturing and other space technologies, the statement said.
Marlan Space founded and operates Orbitworks, described in the statement as the Middle East’s first private space infrastructure company. Orbitworks was established as a joint venture with US-based satellite infrastructure company Loft Orbital to manufacture commercial satellites at scale.
Based in Abu Dhabi, Orbitworks designs, builds, tests and operates satellite systems at an assembly, integration and testing facility in Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD). The facility supports the production and deployment of satellite constellations for regional and international customers.
Orbitworks is also developing Altair, an artificial intelligence-enabled Earth observation constellation comprising multiple satellites. The satellites will combine optical, hyperspectral, thermal, infrared and passive radio-frequency payloads with onboard data-processing capabilities.
The first Altair satellite has been completed, while additional satellites are being assembled in Abu Dhabi, according to the statement. The programme is intended to strengthen the UAE’s ability to develop and deploy advanced space infrastructure domestically and connect satellite capabilities with AI, data and other technologies.
For Abu Dhabi, Marlan Space provides locally based capabilities covering satellite design, manufacturing, testing and operations, while its partnership with Loft Orbital connects the emirate with international technology and expertise. IHC said it would seek to support commercially scalable space infrastructure and services capable of serving the UAE and competing internationally.
For IHC, the acquisition provides a majority position in the growing space economy and complements its investments in artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure and advanced technologies.
The group expects to connect Marlan Space with other businesses across its portfolio, creating opportunities involving technology, data and infrastructure where satellite capabilities could generate long-term commercial value.
“Space is becoming an increasingly important part of the global technology and infrastructure landscape, with applications extending across communications, Earth observation, data, AI and many other sectors,” IHC Chief Executive Officer Syed Basar Shueb said.
“Marlan Space has built a strong platform in this emerging ecosystem, combining technology, infrastructure and international partnerships. This acquisition gives IHC a strategic position in the new space economy and provides Marlan Space with access to the Group’s capital, capabilities and Dynamic Value Networks to accelerate its next phase of growth,” he added.
Marlan Space Chief Executive Officer Hamdullah Mohib said joining IHC marked an important new chapter for the company.
“We have built the company around a clear ambition to establish globally competitive space capabilities from Abu Dhabi and to connect the UAE with the best technology and expertise internationally,” Mohib said.
“With IHC as our majority shareholder, we will have an even stronger platform to scale our capabilities, deepen our partnerships and pursue opportunities across the global space economy. Our focus remains on building infrastructure and technologies that can serve the UAE while competing globally,” he added.