SATExpo's second day highlights AI integration and future of satellite innovations
UAE: Transformative solutions, breakthrough technologies, pioneering concepts shaping the future of the satellite sector, and a racing stimulation were at the forefront of SATExpo Middle East 2025, the newly launched regional event for the space and satellite industry.
Taking place from 13 – 15 May at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), the premier edition of the exhibition is anticipated to attract over 8,000 visitors, including key stakeholders from telecommunications authorities, network operators, defence and military leadership, and leaders from the oil, gas and mining sectors, all seeking to explore next-gen satellite technologies to strengthen their industries.
French satellite leader Eutelsat electrified this year's SATExpo by hosting a pulse-pounding iRacing Live competition in collaboration with eCLUTCH, the Middle East's fastest-growing eSports content platform. Transforming the exhibition into a high-speed virtual racetrack, the event saw attendees battle in real-time on professional racing simulators, showcasing the explosive potential of satellite-powered eSports.
There were winners off the racetrack as exhibitors Agility Beyond Space (ABC), a global satellite operator and SpaceBridge, a leading provider of satellite network equipment solutions, announced a strategic collaboration to improve managed data services across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. This collaboration will combine ABS's satellite expertise with SpaceBridge's cutting-edge network technology to deliver next-generation connectivity solutions—including high-performance broadband and secure internet trunking—to enterprises, governments, mobile operators, and critical infrastructure sectors.
SATExpo Middle East was borne out of a growth sector within long-running B2B broadcast and media event, CABSAT. The co-located events celebrated their 1st and 31st edition respectively and SATExpo welcomed long-running CABSAT exhibitors to a new event dedicated to their sector, the satellite and space economy.
Mustafa Murad, CEO at Gulfsat Communications, said: 'We proudly showcase our cutting-edge services at SATExpo 2025, where we will exhibit secure, flexible and reliable satellite Video & DATA solutions tailored for large enterprises and government entities. Going in line with the fast-geopolitical dynamics in the MENA region, Gulfsat offers a unique, protected, anti-jamming, broadcast DTH service on all its bouquets active on the 7/8 West orbital position. Attendees will also be able to explore our fully scalable, end-to-end IoT connectivity solutions, designed to empower smart operations across diverse sectors.'
Driving forward discussion and collaboration within the industry, SATExpo Middle East Summit 2025 has convened international leaders in satellite and space for the two days of high-level dialogues and collaborative innovations.
The event's inaugural day ignited dynamic discussions on the seismic shifts transforming the space economy, featuring insights from industry titans like Axiom Space (USA), Es'hailsat (Qatar), FADA (UAE), S4 GmbH (Germany), and Astroscale (Japan). Sessions explored critical frontiers—from the private sector's expanding role in space commercialization to the revolution of compact, AI-powered satellites and their pivotal role in building smarter, safer cities. Visionary keynotes captivated audiences, including Prof. Dr. Klaus Schilling's breakthrough perspectives on Earth observation and interplanetary missions.
The event's second day was filled with transformative content, spotlighting AI's revolutionary role in satellite data, the critical push for locali s ed space technologies, and the meteoric rise of women shaping the cosmos. Industry pioneers like Rivada Space Networks (UK), OrbitWorks (UAE), Kuwait Maps CIS, SpaceData Inc. (Japan), and Saudi Arabia's NeoSpace Group ignited debates on next-generation innovation—from machine learning-powered Earth observation to sovereign space capabilities.
The day wrapped up with Prof. Sherif Sedky, CEO of Egypt's Space Agency and UN COPUOS Chair, giving a fireside chat where he unveiled bold strategies for empowering SMEs through space agencies while dismantling barriers to create an inclusive, globally collaborative space economy—proving the Middle East is writing the playbook for 21st-century space leadership.
While Prof. Sedky charted the socioeconomic future of space exploration, Aya Iwamoto of Astroscale brought the discussion back to its physical foundation - the urgent need to preserve Earth's orbital environment. As regional leaders reimagine space's potential, global innovators like Astroscale are tackling the practical challenges that could make or break humanity's cosmic ambitions.
Aya Iwamoto, Vice President, Strategy and Policy at Astroscale, said: 'In today's rapidly evolving space sector, ensuring the long-term sustainability of Earth's orbit has become one of the key priorities. At Astroscale, we are developing cutting-edge technologies for space debris removal. Our latest mission, which has successfully completed proximity operations and debris inspections, increases the opportunities to mitigate challenges posed by surging space debris. We aim to innovate solutions that can shape a safer, more responsible approach to space operations globally and preserve orbital access for future generations.'
The show, which will run until May 15, 2024, organised by the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), also introduced a range of new product announcements. These included:
Space Norway's THOR 8 – Next-gen multi-mission connectivity orbit delivering enhanced capacity and global coverage
Shenzhen Elebao Technology's GX1 Streamer – High-performance media streaming device co-developed with Realtek
Coxsat Technology's Ku-band LEO TDD SATCOM Terminal – Optimised for 500–1200 km satellite operations
AI Dial Tone Trading's Upgraded Starlink Connectivity – Enhanced satellite internet service
Northtelecom LLC's NT Global Hybrid Connectivity – Revolutionary GEO/LEO/L-Band/5G integrated solution
Lyrasense GmbH's LYRASENSE Platform – No-code AI agent for geospatial intelligence (satellite/aerial/IoT data fusion)
SATExpo Middle East concludes on Thursday, 15 May. More information is available here: https://satexpome.com/
About SATExpo:
A meticulously crafted exhibition to boost investment, forge global partnerships, and drive the exchange of innovative satellite technologies, thereby energising the growth and dynamism of the space economy in burgeoning markets.
Colocated with CABSAT, this event harnesses synergies between satellite communication, satellite services, broadcast, and digital media industries, offering a comprehensive platform for cross-sector collaboration in space technology innovation. In addition to highlighting the most important aspects of the space economy, the exhibition also features a buyers' programme; an innovation capsule for start-ups; a carefully curated conference; a summit discussing regulation and investment, as well as a strategic networking forum.
About Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC):
A global business facilitator since 1979, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) is home to the region's leading purpose-built convention and exhibition centre. DWTC provides a platform for connecting people, products, innovation and ideas from around the world through a dynamic calendar of international trade exhibitions and its own roster of sector leading mega events. As a designated free zone, complemented by award-winning commercial real estate, DWTC plays an integral role in Dubai and the region's growth story. Since its inauguration, DWTC has hosted over 6,000 events, with an estimated economic output of AED 248 billion, attracting over 38 million business visitors to Dubai.
Building on this legacy, DWTC's second flagship venue, the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC), stands as a premier destination for prominent national and international mega events. Strategically aligned with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, DEC's recently announced AED 10 billion expansion is integral to Expo City Dubai's vision of becoming a global business hub for exhibitions and events.
For further information, please contact:
Orient Planet Group (OPG)
Tel: +971 4 4562888
Email: media@orientplanet.com
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
an hour ago
- Khaleej Times
Meet Dubai student who launched AI website to help unprivileged with college applications
A Year 13 student from a Dubai school has created an AI-powered platform designed to support underprivileged students through the complex and often daunting college application process. This new student-led innovation is aiming to bridge educational inequality using cutting-edge technology. Garv Lamba, who was recently accepted into the University of California, San Diego to study artificial intelligence, came up with the idea after his own challenges during the university application process. Although he had access to school counsellors and professional consultants, Garv realised that many students worldwide lack this support. Reflecting on his own experience, Garv shared, 'I felt a bit lost last year while going through the college applications. You need to research each college you are applying for, you need to gather data and improve your portfolio." Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. As a student at Gems Wellington Academy Al Khail, he had the advantage of guidance from school counsellors and an educational consultancy called UniHawk. However, Garv quickly realised that not every student has this privilege. From this realisation, Garv and his team developed a website that acts as a 'digital counsellor,' powered by AI and natural language models. The platform mimics the role of a real-life college advisor, asking students about their academic interests, personal background, and career goals. Based on this input, it generates a personalised portfolio and identifies areas where students can improve, whether through additional information or extracurricular activities. 'It gives you advise on what to do next and builds your portfolio in the background. So, it will put a spreadsheet of your interest and from that portfolio give the individual personalised guidance,' Garv explained. 'They look at you as an individual and identifies your strengths and weaknesses…that is something that AI can do pretty well which is why [we] utilise that idea.' One key feature of this platform is its ability to suggest extracurricular activities that align with a student's strengths and longterm goals, helping them stand out to competitive universities. Additionally, it offers feedback on college essays — especially helpful for applicants targeting Ivy League or other top-tier institutions. Garv also emphasised that the website offers constructive comments to guide improvements. 'It's definitely an aid to educational counsellors but the main focus is on students who don't have access to such resources. It's not a complete replacement but it's a good alternative for those who need it," said the 18-year-old. The platform was developed over the course of a year in collaboration with fellow students Ian Pannetier and Mahmoud Moursy. Among the app's innovative features is an 'Interviewer' tool that simulates college interview scenarios, and sections focused on identifying and addressing gaps in a student's academic or extracurricular profile. Currently, the upcoming app operates as a website that offers tailored advice on essays and goal-setting. However, the team envisions a much broader platform in the future. 'We want to create an entire database with college information,' Garv said, adding that this will be in addition to tools for portfolio development. Despite being in its early stages, the initiative has already received positive feedback. 'We've got good reviews from users in India, the United States, and other regions -- a testament to the global demand for accessible college guidance,' he added.
Khaleej Times
an hour ago
- Khaleej Times
Vertical farming in the UAE: Fresh, clean, and grown by code
In a country better known for sand dunes than salad bowls, something quietly radical is growing behind glass walls. Inside brightly lit, climate-controlled farms, tomatoes ripen untouched by pesticides, and lettuce flourishes in vertical towers; no soil, no sunlight, no tractors. This isn't traditional farming; it's agriculture reimagined for the 21st century. No dirt under your nails. No crop seasons to worry about. Just smart tech feeding smart cities. Once dismissed as futuristic novelties, vertical farms are now rising in malls, warehouses, and hotel rooftops across the Emirates. They're feeding more than just a population — they're feeding a movement for cleaner, smarter, more sustainable food. At a time of water scarcity and climate disruption, the UAE isn't just adapting, it's innovating. As told to BTR magazine, both UNS Vertical Farms and Pure Harvest Smart Farms are reshaping how the UAE thinks about agriculture and food doesn't have to grow from the ground anymore — sometimes, it grows from innovation. And somehow — it tastes even better. Less water, more yield Ask anyone in agriculture and they'll tell you: water is everything. Which is precisely why the 90% reduction in water usage by vertical farms feels like a game changer — especially in a place like the UAE, where every drop counts. 'At UNS Farms, we run a closed-loop hydroponic system,' says Mehlam Murtaza, Executive Director at UNS Vertical Farms. 'That means water isn't lost to the soil or evaporated — it's recycled and reused. We deliver exactly what the plant needs, directly to the roots. No more, no less.' Instead of sprawling fields, UNS builds up — using vertical racks that multiply their yield per square meter. Combine that with a climate-controlled environment and you get high-output farming that's unaffected by the region's sweltering heat or unreliable rainfall. 'We've essentially engineered a micro-climate inside our farms,' Murtaza adds. 'It's about growing smarter, not just harder.' A farm without pesticides Walk through a UNS facility or Pure Harvest greenhouse, and you'll notice something odd: no chemicals. Zero. Not even the so-called 'safe' ones. For both companies, removing pesticides isn't just a marketing angle — it's a pillar of their sustainability ethos. 'We operate like we're guarding a castle,' says Sky Kurtz, CEO and Founder of Pure Harvest Smart Farms. 'Our climate-controlled, closed-loop system keeps pests out. And if something does get in, we don't reach for chemicals — we bring in beneficial insects or other natural interventions.' Pure Harvest leans into integrated pest management (IPM), a method that prioritizes balance over eradication. In short, it's about working with nature rather than against it. UNS, meanwhile, takes a similarly holistic route. 'It's about early detection, sanitation, and rotating crops regularly,' says Murtaza. 'When you have full control over your growing environment, you don't need to rely on chemicals. And that's better for the planet — and for people.' Both companies back their methods with international certifications, like HACCP and ISO 22000:2018, reassuring consumers that 'chemical-free' doesn't mean 'risky.' In fact, it means the opposite. Farms in malls, not fields There's something captivating about watching lettuce grow in the middle of a luxury mall or seeing a vertical herb garden inside a five-star hotel. It's not just for show. For UNS, these collaborations are part of a larger mission: making farming visible, accessible, and even stylish. 'When we bring vertical farms into public spaces, it changes the way people think about agriculture,' Murtaza explains. 'It's not something distant or industrial — it's fresh, it's here, it's part of your daily life.' The company's green installations — whether on a mall wall or in a restaurant lobby — spark conversations and curiosity. And that's exactly the point. Pure Harvest takes a slightly different route. Rather than public installations, they connect with consumers through transparency. 'We use QR codes on our packaging so people can trace exactly where and how their food was grown,' says Kurtz. 'We share videos, behind-the-scenes farm content, and speak openly about our practices. Because people care — and they're asking smarter questions.' Conscious consumers are here to stay And those smarter questions are reshaping the market. In recent years, there's been a clear shift in the UAE's grocery habits, especially among millennials and Gen Z. No longer content with labels like 'organic' or 'fresh,' these buyers want to know the full story behind their food. 'Consumers are now willing to pay a bit more for food that's not only good for them but good for the planet,' Kurtz says. 'There's a real hunger — pun intended — for climate-conscious, zero-mile produce.' According to him, tomatoes, leafy greens, and strawberries are leading the demand for clean, local, pesticide-free food. These are everyday staples — proof that sustainability isn't just for specialty items anymore. 'We're not just selling produce,' Kurtz adds. 'We're selling trust.' Tech at the root At the heart of this movement is technology. From moisture sensors to automated nutrient dosing systems, both UNS and Pure Harvest rely heavily on smart tools to keep their farms efficient and scalable. 'Automation reduces human error and ensures consistency,' Kurtz says. 'But more importantly, it helps us grow the same quality of produce year-round, even in the brutal heat of August.' IoT systems monitor everything — light levels, humidity, nutrient balance, CO2 levels — and make minute adjustments in real time. This allows farms to optimise every input while producing 10–15 times more food per square metre than conventional farms. Kurtz calls this approach 'veridical farming'— not just vertical, but truthful. 'We don't make vague claims,' he says. 'We show the numbers. That's what our customers, our partners, and our investors want.' A national priority The UAE isn't just watching from the sidelines — it's actively supporting this new wave of agriculture. With food security ranked as a top national priority, and a goal to reduce dependence on imports, innovations in vertical and hydroponic farming fit neatly into the government's broader vision. Controlled-environment agriculture (CEA) is seen as a long-term solution to climate stress, population growth, and unpredictable global food supply chains. And in many ways, companies like UNS and Pure Harvest aren't just riding that wave — they're helping shape it. The future is up As urban populations swell, farmland shrinks, and climate concerns intensify, the question is no longer if vertical farming is the answer—but how fast it can scale to meet growing demand. In the UAE, it's not just a futuristic experiment. It's happening now, behind glass walls, under LED lights, and in places no one expected—shopping malls, hotel rooftops, even within logistics hubs. These farms don't just grow food—they grow resilience. They bring agriculture closer to the plate, cut the carbon miles, and give consumers confidence in what they're eating. They're a quiet but powerful rebuttal to the belief that sustainable food production isn't possible in arid, resource-scarce regions. For pioneers like Pure Harvest and UNS Farms, the work is far from done. Their eyes are firmly set on the next phase: scaling up, improving affordability, expanding crop diversity, and helping the region move one step closer to food independence. But beyond the metrics and machinery, there's something profoundly human about this shift. It's about reconnecting with what we eat, about feeding growing cities without depleting the planet—and doing it with intention, intelligence, and integrity. So, the next time you're biting into a crisp local salad in the UAE, consider this: it may have never touched soil, never seen a pesticide, and never traveled more than a few kilometers. And yet, it may just be the most grounded thing on your plate. The future of food isn't out in the fields anymore. It's growing up. What's Growing in the UAE's High-Tech Farms No soil? No problem. Crisp greens and juicy tomatoes grow vertically — in towers, not fields. Soil's out, science is in. 90% less water, 100% more wow Hydroponics and closed-loop systems mean each drop is reused. It's farming tailor-made for the desert. Pesticide-free, planet-friendly No sprays, no chemicals. Just clean produce grown in sealed, climate-controlled environments. Farming without sunlight LEDs mimic daylight so precisely, plants don't miss the sun — and they thrive indoors, 24/7. Lettuce in the lobby? Yes, please. UNS puts vertical farms in malls and hotels. It's fresh, flashy, and fabulously futuristic. QR codes tell all Scan your salad — Pure Harvest lets you trace every tomato to its tech-savvy roots. Farming on auto-pilot AI, sensors, and smart climate tools run the show — ensuring perfect crops every single day. No bugs, no drama Natural pest control and integrated systems mean no creepy crawlies — and no harsh fixes. Certified clean HACCP, ISO, and Global GAP certifications mean safe food that's as trustworthy as it is tasty. Rooted in national strategy The UAE is investing big in smart farms to feed its future — no imports, just innovation.
Gulf Business
2 hours ago
- Gulf Business
Abu Dhabi: ADGM assets under management show 33% YoY rise in Q1
Image: ADGM Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) has recorded a strong start to 2025, posting significant year-on-year growth across its ecosystem in Q1, as investor confidence and international interest in the UAE capital's financial centre remain high. Backed by major regulatory developments, global engagement and jurisdictional expansion, 'ADGM's Q1 2025 performance marks the beginning of another landmark year,' said Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, chairman of ADGM. 'This is not just a reflection of ADGM's capabilities to deliver sustained growth, but also the trust it has gained among global and regional institutions. 'ADGM continues to expand and diversify with purpose, welcoming leading firms, deepening international partnerships, and driving digital and sustainable transformation across sectors.' At a glance: ADGM's key growth areas in Q1 Assets under management (AUM): AUM grew 33 per cent from Q1 2024. A total of 119 fund and asset managers now manage 184 funds. Licences: The number of new licences issued increased by 67 per cent year-on-year. Entities: Operational entities surged 43 per cent to 2,781. Financial services entities rose 26 per cent to 367. Workforce: More than 29,000 people are now employed on Al Maryah Island, up 17 per cent from the previous year. Work permits: 3,509 new work permits were issued for businesses establishing on Al Reem Island. Expanded international presence and strategic engagements In January, an ADGM delegation attended iConnections Global Alts in Miami, held bilateral meetings in New York and Washington, and joined a panel titled 'Abu Dhabi: The Capital of Capital'. In February, ADGM participated in a high-level UAE-China delegation led by ADDED, supporting efforts to deepen bilateral economic ties. In April, ADGM conducted nearly 30 strategic meetings in Japan with institutions focused on private banking, wealth management and family businesses. Al Reem Island integration and new incentives More than 600 new businesses established on Al Reem Island and 500 existing firms migrated to ADGM licensing during Q1. ADGM revised its fee structure in January, slashing commercial licence fees by 50 per cent or more for non-financial and retail businesses. A flat licence fee of Dhs1,000 was introduced to boost SME access. Digital and blockchain developments In March, ADGM signed an MoU with Chainlink to enable compliant tokenisation frameworks. Stacks Asia and Bitgrit joined ADGM under its DLT Foundations framework. ADGM launched an all-in-one mobile app offering compliance tools, licence renewals and regulatory updates. A new digital real estate platform was introduced, enabling fully virtual sale and purchase transactions. Read: Focus on sustainable finance The Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Declaration reached 170 signatories, including Aquila Capital, Century Financial, Oryx Global Partners, PwC and Olive Gaea. The initiative continues to promote ESG integration in the region's financial sector. Human capital and UAE National empowerment ADGM Academy created 800 job placements for UAE Nationals across nine career tracks. Signed strategic MoUs with Arab Youth and the Federal Tax Authority to support upskilling in technology and finance. Published six research papers on the impact of AI in the UAE financial sector via the ADGMA Research Centre. As the financial centre continues its expansion and regulatory innovation, it expects further growth in 2025, particularly from financial markets in Europe and Asia.
