Space42 to establish satellite manufacturing hub in partnership with ADIO
The facility, to be named Space42 Space Systems, will localise the design, assembly and testing of SAR satellites used for EO, securing independent access to space-based intelligence for Abu Dhabi.
The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) has announced the launch of the Middle Easts first dedicated commercial Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite manufacturing facility. The project is delivered in partnership with Space42, the UAEs AI-powered space technology company with global reach. The facility, to be named Space42 Space Systems, will localise the design, assembly and testing of SAR satellites used for Earth Observation (EO), securing independent access to space-based intelligence for Abu Dhabi. This marks the first time such capabilities will be developed locally for commercial use, enabling the UAE to produce advanced EO satellites independently and strengthening its sovereign space infrastructure.
Revealed during Make it in the Emirates 2025, the project advances ADIOs mission to drive strategic investment into priority sectors, enhancing Abu Dhabis knowledge economy and supporting its transformation into a global hub for advanced manufacturing. Space42 Space Systems will deliver sustainable economic impact and create high-skilled jobs in the advanced industries sector, including a significant number of roles for UAE Nationals, reflecting Abu Dhabis commitment to cultivating a highly skilled local talent base. Additionally, it will directly advance the UAEs Space Strategy 2030 and the UAEs EO Space Programme, designed to build national capabilities in satellite-based remote sensing.
His Excellency Badr Al-Olama, Director General of ADIO, said: 'This strategic partnership brings together global capability and national ambition. By enabling transformative companies like Space42 to scale breakthrough technologies here in Abu Dhabi, we are delivering on our mandate to accelerate the emirates economic growth and establish future-ready industries. The transformational project demonstrates Abu Dhabis vision in action, enabling knowledge transfer, advancing critical infrastructure and delivering sustainable economic impact.'
Operated by Space42, Space42 Space Systems will oversee the full manufacturing lifecycle, from system design to launch readiness. It advances the companys goal of building sovereign Earth Observation capabilities while anchoring a space ecosystem that can scale globally from Abu Dhabi.
Hasan Al Hosani, CEO of Banayat Smart Solutions at Space42, added: 'Bringing commercial satellite manufacturing into the UAE marks a pivotal step in realising Space42s strategy. It enhances our sovereign capability in Earth Observation and strengthens our position as the preferred partner for premium geospatial data. Abu Dhabi is at the centre of this ambition, providing the environment to test, scale and export space-based capabilities that are sovereign at origin and global in application. With ADIO as a partner, we are turning strategic intent into scalable infrastructure and cultivating Emirati talent that will shape the future of this sector.'
SAR satellites, capable of capturing high resolution imagery in all weather and light conditions, are vital for national security, environmental monitoring and disaster response. Until now, production of these systems has remained largely concentrated in a handful of international markets.
Through this pioneering facility, Abu Dhabi will, for the first time assemble, integrate and test commercial SAR satellites, positioning the emirate at the forefront of the global space economy and reinforcing its status as a centre of excellence for space innovation.
The project will be implemented by Space42, established to operate the facility using best in-class technology in systems integration, advanced testing and launch preparation.
Beyond manufacturing, the facility will actively support Abu Dhabis strategy to develop a sustainable pipeline of local talent. It will embed robust academic and industry programmes, including internships for UAE nationals, technical lectures, industry site visits and research collaborations with leading Abu Dhabi universities. These initiatives will contribute to developing a national space workforce with hands-on industrial expertise.
The new modular facility will manage the complete Assembly, Integration and Testing (AIT) lifecycle, from system design to launch preparation.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Dubai Eye
4 hours ago
- Dubai Eye
Ajman Port set for expansion under new agreement worth AED 1 billion
Ajman Port will undergo an expansion under an AED 1 billion investment agreement between Department of Port & Customs Ajman (DPC) and Hutchison Ports. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will draw out a development plan for the port that will enhance handling efficiency, attract new shipping lines, align with digital transformation plans and solidify its position as a vital logistics hub in the region. It will also launch AI-powered programmess for port operations through an integrated 15-year plan aimed at managing, operating and developing the port. After witnessing the signing of the MoU, His Highness Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman, said the move will play a key role in stimulating the local economy by supporting supply operations and facilitating export and import activities through the provision of sustainable, eco-friendly infrastructure, while focusing on developing national talents and equipping them with modern port management skills. "We believe that port development is an investment in the future of trade, food security, and economic growth," he added. Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Department of Port & Customs Ajman, noted that the MoU marks an important step in reinforcing Ajman Port's position as a strategic hub in the UAE and the region's maritime transport network.
Khaleej Times
12 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Nearly half of UAE consumers feel AI not meeting their customer service expectations
More than half (54 per cent) of UAE consumers say that failing to understand emotional cues is more of an AI trait than human, a study showed. According to research by ServiceNow, the AI platform for business transformation, Despite rapid advancements in AI and its widespread use in customer service, UAE consumers overwhelmingly (at least 68 per cent) prefer to interact with people for customer support. ServiceNow's Consumer Voice Report 2025 surveyed 17,000 adults across 13 countries in EMEA — including 1000 in the UAE — and explores consumer expectations when it comes to AI's role in customer experience (CX). Based on the findings of the research, the perceived lack of AI's general emotional intelligence (EQ) is a critical factor in shaping consumer sentiment in this regard. Fifty one per cent feel agents having a limited understanding of context is more likely to be AI; and an equal number say misunderstanding slang, idioms and informal language is more likely AI. Meanwhile, nearly two thirds (64 per cent) of UAE consumers feel repetitive or scripted responses are more of an AI trait. 'The key takeaway for business leaders is that AI can no longer be just another customer service tool – it has to be an essential partner to the human agent. The future of customer relationships now lies at the intersection of AI and emotional intelligence (EQ). Consumers no longer want AI that just gets the job done; they want AI that understands them,' commented William O'Neill, Area VP, UAE at ServiceNow. High stakes, low trust The report also highlights a clear AI trust gap, particularly for urgent or complex requests. UAE consumers embrace AI for speed and convenience in low-risk/routine tasks — 23 per cent of UAE consumers trust an AI chatbot for scheduling a car service appointment and 24 per cent say they are happy to use an AI chatbot for tracking a lost or delayed package. However, when it comes to more sensitive or urgent tasks, consumer confidence in AI drops. Only 13 per cent would trust AI to dispute a suspicious transaction on their bank account with 43 per cent instead preferring to handle this in-person. Similarly, when it comes to troubleshooting a home internet issue, only 20 per cent of consumers across the Emirates are happy to rely on an AI chatbot, with 50 per cent preferring to troubleshoot the issue with someone on the phone. Humans and AI For all the frustrations with AI — almost half (47 per cent) of UAE consumers say their customer service interactions with AI chatbots have not met their expectations — the research does suggest that consumers consider AI as crucial for organizations looking to deliver exceptional customer experiences. For one, in addition to seamless service (90 per cent), quick response times (89 per cent) and accurate information (88 per cent), more than three quarter (76 per cent) of UAE consumers expect the organizations they deal with to provide a good chatbot service. But perhaps more interestingly, 85 per cent of consumers across the Emirates expect the option for self-service problem solving, which does indicate the need for organizations to integrate AI insights and data analysis into service channels to anticipate customer needs before they arise. 'While AI in customer service is currently falling short of consumer expectations, it is not failing. Rather, it is evolving. There is an opportunity for businesses to refine AI by empowering it with the right information, making it more adaptive, emotionally aware, and seamlessly integrated with human agents to take/recommend the next best action and deliver unparalleled customer relationships,' added O'Neill. 'Consumers do not want less AI – they want AI that works smarter. By understanding the biggest pain points, companies can make AI a trusted ally rather than a frustrating barrier.'
ARN News Center
14 hours ago
- ARN News Center
Ajman Port set for expansion under new agreement worth AED 1 billion
Ajman Port will undergo an expansion under an AED 1 billion investment agreement between Department of Port & Customs Ajman (DPC) and Hutchison Ports. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will draw out a development plan for the port that will enhance handling efficiency, attract new shipping lines, align with digital transformation plans and solidify its position as a vital logistics hub in the region. It will also launch AI-powered programmess for port operations through an integrated 15-year plan aimed at managing, operating and developing the port. After witnessing the signing of the MoU, His Highness Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman, said the move will play a key role in stimulating the local economy by supporting supply operations and facilitating export and import activities through the provision of sustainable, eco-friendly infrastructure, while focusing on developing national talents and equipping them with modern port management skills. "We believe that port development is an investment in the future of trade, food security, and economic growth," he added. Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Department of Port & Customs Ajman, noted that the MoU marks an important step in reinforcing Ajman Port's position as a strategic hub in the UAE and the region's maritime transport network.
