Today's Edition
MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)
The UAE-based AI-powered SpaceTech company Space42 and FADA, an EDGE Group entity, are joining forces to create a fully integrated Earth Observation (EO) ecosystem, in a move to bolster the UAE's sovereign space capabilities and advance its role as a global leader in AI-powered space solutions.
The joint venture (JV) was formalised on Monday with the signing of an MoU between the companies at the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX 2025) in Abu Dhabi.
The JV will serve as a central hub for manufacturing, deploying and operating EO assets in-country, ultimately driving economic diversification through a locally fostered high-tech ecosystem with global reach, according to a statement by Space42.
By combining Space42's expertise in geospatial analytics and AI with FADA's leadership in advanced technology and defence, this collaboration is set to deliver dual-use EO capabilities for both government and commercial sectors.
In a statement made available to Aletihad, Hasan Al Hosani, CEO of Bayanat Smart Solutions, Space42, noted that this partnership is set to advance the UAE's sovereign space ambitions.
"This joint venture is about more than advancing Earth Observation capabilities, it is about redefining how we harness space for national security, economic growth and innovation," he said. "Space42 is committed to pushing beyond conventional boundaries, ensuring that the UAE is not just participating in the global space economy, but leading it."
The JV will integrate and operate a range of EO assets, including advanced multi-sensor satellite constellations.
It will focus on commercial opportunities in sectors such as environmental monitoring, urban planning, resource management, smart mobility and infrastructure development, all in support of the UAE's long-term sustainability goals, according to Space42.
The JV will also leverage Space42's Assembly, Integration and Testing (AIT) facilities for large-scale satellite manufacturing.
Waleid AlMesmari, President, Space & Cyber Technologies Cluster at EDGE, said in a statement: "The joint venture is more than an investment in sovereign Earth Observation, it's a bold step towards enhancing decision-making, environmental resilience and technological autonomy.
"By integrating cutting-edge space assets with AI-powered analytics, we are not only strengthening the UAE's strategic position but also advancing critical applications in climate monitoring, disaster response and resource management, ensuring a more secure and sustainable future."
FADA and Space42 aim to expand the joint venture to international markets, commercialising its offerings beyond the UAE.
Space42 was established in 2024 following the successful merger between Bayanat and Yahsat.
At IDEX 2025, the company is exhibiting its integrated capabilities in satellite communication and Earth observation along with AI defence-focused solutions.
Bayanat Smart Solutions, a key division of Space42, is asserting its latest advancements in the geospatial domain. The company is featuring its Foresight Constellation, with two satellites already in orbit.
According to Al Hosani, the company is unveiling the first image captured by its Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite over Abu Dhabi.
This satellite is poised to assist the Ministry of Defence with vital reconnaissance and support functions, contributing to national security and various defence applications.
In an interview with Aletihad, Al Hosani explained how Space42 is supporting national security with cutting-edge space technology, spotlighted at IDEX 2025, such as the Foresight Constellation.
With two satellites already in orbit, the company is showcasing the first image captured by its Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite, which covers the Abu Dhabi region.
The satellite's reconnaissance and support capabilities are of critical importance to the Ministry of Defence, offering insights that contribute to national security operations and various other defence applications, Al Hosani noted.
Artificial intelligence is another focal point for Space42. Al Hosani explained how AI is being leveraged to integrate multi-source data, from optical imagery to SAR data, to generate actionable insights.
He highlighted, as an example, AI applications in disaster management, where the technology can assist in assessing potential risks before an event, optimise emergency response efforts during a crisis, and evaluate both short-term and long-term impacts after the disaster.
"This is how we apply artificial intelligence to actually correlate the data from the different Earth observation capabilities that we have and provide insights and the courses of action that can support decision-making," said Al Hosani.
