SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
Advanced satellite technologies are becoming increasingly central to the UAE’s national resilience, helping maintain secure communications during emergencies, strengthen government services and enable faster disaster response.
This is according to Dr Khalid Al Naqbi, Fellow of the National Experts Program (NEP) from the Satellite Technology sector, who highlighted in an interview with Aletihad the growing role of space-based technologies in supporting the UAE’s resilience and future ambitions.
The NEP serves as a launchpad for Emirati experts to play a leading role in transforming future-growth sectors aligned with the UAE's national priorities.
As reliance on satellite infrastructure grows, the UAE is strengthening secure and resilient connectivity.
A recent example is the partnership between Space42 and Leonardo DRS, combining secure, AI-enabled satellite communications with advanced mission systems.
Resilient, Seamless Connectivity
“Space-based technologies are becoming a cornerstone of national resilience and security, underpinning critical communications, navigation and connectivity,” Dr Al Naqbi added.
Satellite systems can maintain secure connectivity in remote areas and during disruptions, making them increasingly important for crisis preparedness.
“Unlike terrestrial infrastructure, satellite systems provide secure connectivity across vast and remote areas and remain operational when conventional networks are disrupted,” he said.
Alongside infrastructure investment, the UAE is building sovereign capabilities by investing in innovation and future expertise.
“By building world-class space capabilities and the talent to sustain them, the UAE can reinforce its national security while advancing its position as a global leader in space and technology,” he noted.
Beyond conncetivity, advanced satellite systems are helping deliver secure services in remote areas and provide real-time data for faster decisions.
“Advanced satellite systems are essential for resilient government operations, emergency response and next-generation connectivity,” Dr Al Naqbi said.
One example is Space42’s Foresight Earth Observation constellation, which includes five Synthetic Aperture Radar satellites providing 25-centimetre-resolution imagery in all weather conditions.
The system can help cut emergency response times by up to 90% and predictive maintenance costs by up to 30%.
“During emergencies, satellite communications can maintain connectivity when terrestrial networks are disrupted,” he said, adding that Earth observation can also support disaster monitoring and response.
He noted that greater integration will strengthen UAE connectivity, government services and emergency preparedness.
“Looking ahead, the convergence of satellite networks with terrestrial infrastructure, 5G and emerging direct-to-device technologies will make connectivity more seamless, resilient and accessible,” he said.
International Collaboration
These advances come as the UAE is building on significant investment to strengthen its position in the global space sector.
The UAE’s space sector investment is estimated at approximately Dh44 billion, driven by space exploration, satellite advances and growing demand for satellite services.
“The priority now is to build on these foundations and translate them into sustained global leadership,” he said.
This will involve advancing next-generation satellite systems and strengthening collaboration between research, industry and government. “International collaboration will remain an important part of this journey,” he said.
Developing Future Emirati Leaders
Reflecting on his experience with NEP, Dr Al Naqbi said that the programme develops leadership and cross-sector expertise to strengthen the UAE’s long-term capabilities.
It also connects technology, industry, academia and government to turn global advances into national solutions.
"My goal is to contribute to the development of next-generation satellite systems and multi-orbit connectivity that strengthen the UAE’s position as a global space and technology leader," he said.
“Ultimately, my ambition is to ensure that the value of the NEP extends well beyond the Fellowship itself.” Beyond the fellowship, he hopes to support Emirati talent and innovation across the space sector.
“I want to contribute to a stronger, more connected and future-ready UAE space ecosystem that develops Emirati talent, drives innovation and positions the UAE not simply as a participant in the global space sector, but as a country helping to shape its future,” he said.
Long-term space leadership depends on developing skilled Emirati engineers, researchers and technology leaders.
"As estimates put the global space economy around $613 billion in 2024, up 7.8% year-over-year, building this human capital today is essential to ensuring the UAE is positioned to capture the opportunities of tomorrow," Dr Al Naqbi said.
The UAE is supporting this growth through investment in national capabilities, research, and stronger links between academia and industry.
“The Dh3 billion National Space Fund aims to build national capabilities and competencies, increase the space sector’s contribution to economic diversification and consolidate the UAE’s position in the space sector,” he said.