Latest news with #AlMarzooqi
Al Etihad
19-05-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
HAPS manufacturing facility in Abu Dhabi a major boost for UAE aerospace capabilities
20 May 2025 00:30 MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)In a first for the MENA region, a manufacturing facility for High-Altitude Platform Stations (HAPS) has been established in Abu Dhabi, it was announced on Monday. Mira Aerospace - the High-Altitude Platform Stations (HAPS) subsidiary of UAE-based AI-powered SpaceTech firm Space42 - made the announcement at Make in the Emirates, marking a major step in advancing the UAE's sovereign aerospace and space-based connectivity an interview with Aletihad, Khaled Al Marzooqi, CEO of Mira Aerospace, Space42, noted that the HAPS manufacturing facility - spanning 4,500sqm - is designed to deliver over 20 high-altitude, solar-powered UAVs annually, backed by a $10 million investment. "This is the type of pioneering innovation that Space42 invests in," he said. "The decision to build our new HAPS manufacturing facility in Abu Dhabi reflects our commitment to creating reliable, cost-effective systems with advanced space technology and plays a central role in developing sovereign capabilities that support our long-term business objectives and the UAE's broader economic goals."Occupying a unique niche in the aerospace landscape, HAPS are unmanned vehicles (UAVs) that can operate in the stratosphere on solar power and fly continuously for long durations. Studies have referred to them as the "missing link" between satellites and aircraft."Satellites don't provide real-time data, and drones lack the endurance," Al Marzooqi explained. "Our HAPS solutions close that gap by delivering persistent coverage, using only solar power, which is both sustainable and cost-effective."He also noted that the platform's ability to maintain a stationary position over specific areas for extended periods can offer unique advantages in environmental monitoring, disaster relief, urban planning, and agriculture. Mira Aerospace is among the very few companies in the world that offer this technology – an advantage that strengthens its competitive edge, according to Al Marzooqi.A Pillar of UAE's National Space Strategy 2030The new manufacturing centre directly supports the UAE's National Space Strategy 2030, which outlines a vision to transform the nation into a global hub for space innovation and sovereign capability development. Localising production and innovation is central to this mission, Al Marzooqi said. "Manufacturing in the UAE allows us to control quality, grow organically, and build deep technical knowledge," he said. "It aligns with our ambition to be a leading contributor to the national economy and technological independence."In line with the UAE's climate goals, the HAPS system is powered entirely by solar energy, making it an environment-friendly alternative to fuel-reliant aerial platforms, Al Marzooqi added. Enabling AI-Powered Aerospace InnovationMira Aerospace is also leveraging Space42's AI platforms to maximise the value of the data collected by its HAPS fleet. "These systems cover vast territories and generate massive data streams," said Al Marzooqi. "With AI, we can analyse that data in real-time, providing instant insights that enhance decision-making across sectors."Looking ahead, the company is exploring integration with other autonomous systems, including unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) and maritime drones, to create a fully autonomous, multi-domain ecosystem spanning land, sea, and for Strategic Global ImpactThe HAPS manufacturing centre is one of several strategic investments by Space42 aimed at deepening vertical integration across aerospace manufacturing and data infrastructure. The company is also partnering with ICEYE, a global SAR (synthetic aperture radar) leader, to co-produce Earth observation satellites in the UAE. "These efforts will directly advance the UAE's EO Space Programme, designed to build national capabilities in satellite-based remote sensing. The UAE is currently the only country in the Middle East and one of the few space-faring nations with domestic aerospace manufacturing capabilities," Space 42 said in a statement made available to Aletihad . Mira Aerospace's latest innovation milestones also include launching a multi-domain Training, Testing, and Evaluation (TT&E) facility in February 2025, in partnership with XRANGE, to establish a permanent testing hub for high-altitude, long-endurance UAV trials. In October 2025, the company developed two advanced payloads launched in October 2024: one for high-resolution Earth observation and another for stratospheric telecommunications, enabling connectivity even in disaster-hit zones. Make it in the Emirates Continue full coverage
Al Etihad
19-05-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Space42 opens High Altitude Platform Stations manufacturing facility in Abu Dhabi
19 May 2025 14:53 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)Mira Aerospace, the High Altitude Platform Stations (HAPS) subsidiary of Space42, the UAE-based AI-powered SpaceTech company, has established MENA's first HAPS manufacturing centre in Abu new facility will significantly enhance Mira Aerospace's production capabilities, drive advanced R&D, support the commercialisation of HAPS technology, and lay the foundation for long-term, sustainable growth. The state-of-the-art, 4,500-square-meter centre will deliver more than 20 HAPS UAVs annually, supporting civil, environmental, and defence applications. The facility marks a strategic milestone in the company's mission to position the UAE at the forefront of sovereign aerospace and space-based connectivity innovation. Are you ready to observe and understand the world from new heights? Through our subsidiary Mira Aerospace, #Space42 is transforming the aerospace industry with advanced High-Altitude Platform Stations (#HAPS) technology. With over 100+ flights across three continents, our… — Space42 (@space42ai) May 16, 2025 Contributing to the UAE's National Space Strategy 2030, Space42 is playing a critical role in the nation's efforts to build sovereign space technology, manufacturing, and research and development capabilities. Space is a cornerstone of the UAE's technology roadmap, accelerating innovation and strengthening national resilience in advanced industries, and the new HAPS facility is a direct reflection of and commitment to this national Al Marzooqi, CEO of Mira Aerospace, Space42, said, 'As the global demand for HAPS accelerates, Space42 is making strategic investments to strengthen our leadership in this growing market. The decision to build our new HAPS manufacturing facility in Abu Dhabi reflects our commitment to creating reliable, cost-effective systems with advanced space technology and plays a central role in developing sovereign capabilities that support our long-term business objectives and the UAE's broader economic goals.'The HAPS facility is part of a series of targeted investments by Space42 to expand vertically integrated manufacturing and data infrastructure. The company is also collaborating with ICEYE, a global leader in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology, to co-produce Earth Observation (EO) satellites in the efforts will directly advance the UAE's EO Space Program, designed to build national capabilities in satellite-based remote sensing. The UAE is currently the only country in the Middle East and one of the few space-faring nations with domestic aerospace manufacturing investments, such as the HAPS facility, fit into Space42's broader strategy to efficiently scale the business and expand impact across the global industry. By developing in-house competencies that evolve with market needs, the new facility provides a competitive edge and creates long-term growth value for Space42 and its to centralise global operations and meet the rising demand for HAPS solutions, the facility supports Space42's strategic initiative to be the preferred partner for premium geospatial data. With local manufacturing capabilities, the business is strongly positioned to build differentiated competencies, ensure operations scale efficiently, and continue to demonstrate strong financial new manufacturing hub will be the latest in a series of major milestones for Mira Aerospace. In February 2025, the company partnered with XRANGE, a multi-domain Training, Testing, and Evaluation (TT&E) facility, to establish a permanent testing hub for high-altitude, long-endurance UAV trials. In October 2024, Mira Aerospace developed two advanced payloads to support various applications, including environmental monitoring, disaster management, urban planning, and agriculture. The EO payload offers sharp and precise data to aid critical decision-making, and the Telecommunications payload provides direct-to-device connectivity and data relay between aerial and ground platforms. Space42 is one of the leading companies globally in the HAPS domain, and the first in the world to demonstrate 5G connectivity from the stratosphere using heavier-than-air HAPS.
Time of India
28-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Dubai student's AI innovation offers instant help for lost passports, medical crises
An Emirati student has developed an AI-powered app designed to assist people in UAE with urgent assistance of ids and documents such as lost passports and medical emergencies. The app provides real-time, reliable support to guide users through crisis situations, offering a much-needed solution in a fast-paced city like Dubai . The creation, developed by Abdulrahman Al Marzooqi, a master's student at Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), was recognized for its potential to enhance emergency response in urban environments, according to a report by Gulf News. #Pahalgam Terrorist Attack India stares at a 'water bomb' threat as it freezes Indus Treaty India readies short, mid & long-term Indus River plans Shehbaz Sharif calls India's stand "worn-out narrative" Abdulrahman Al Marzooqi, a master's student at the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), clinched first place in the coding category at the Global Prompt Engineering Championship 2025. The competition was part of the inaugural Dubai AI Week and featured a Dh1 million prize pool, with more than 3,800 participants from over 125 countries. His winning project is an AI emergency response assistant app designed to provide immediate, practical assistance in a variety of emergency situations, such as lost travel documents or medical crises. The app is aimed at helping users navigate urgent situations with real-time guidance, offering peace of mind in high-pressure environments. Al Marzooqi dedicated his award to the UAE's leadership for their strong support of AI innovation . 'Their great interest and support to the AI field has paid off, and this is just the start,' he told Gulf News, after receiving his award from Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Incredible: The world's toughest smartwatch designed for the military Indestructible Smartwatch Undo The challenge in the competition was to develop an AI-powered app suited to Dubai's fast-paced environment. Al Marzooqi explained to Gulf News, 'In a fast-paced, international city like Dubai, having real-time guidance and access to the right help can be life-saving.' His AI assistant app was designed with this in mind, helping users stay informed and safe when it matters most. The app can assist in situations ranging from lost passports to medical emergencies, providing users with the necessary support in the moments they need it. (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) Before entering the competition, Al Marzooqi meticulously studied past editions of the event, self-taught website building, and honed his skills through prompt engineering experiments. He credits his success to the world-class faculty and research opportunities at MBZUAI, Abu Dhabi. "MBZUAI has had a profound impact on my journey in AI. I was able to significantly build my prompt engineering skills," he said. The university also helped him discover the competition through its Career Services team. Live Events You Might Also Like: Dubai Chamber's new Bengaluru office signals strong focus on tech, AI: Experts The Global Prompt Engineering Championship saw contestants competing across four categories: arts, video, gaming, and coding. The event provided a platform for talented innovators like Al Marzooqi to showcase their AI capabilities on a global stage. Looking ahead, Al Marzooqi is eager to apply his skills to industries like healthcare and education. While he has yet to decide whether to turn his emergency response app into a start-up, he remains committed to contributing to the UAE's ambitious AI goals. 'I believe my skills can support the UAE's mission to harness AI for economic growth and social progress,' he added. As AI continues to evolve rapidly, Al Marzooqi's future in the field appears promising. With a growing interest in AI across industries, his next steps may just be the beginning of his journey toward making a lasting impact, reported Gulf News. You Might Also Like: India should develop infrastructure, be more open to foreign carriers: Dubai Airport CEO
Gulf News
27-04-2025
- Gulf News
Lost passport in Dubai or facing medical emergency? Emirati student creates winning AI solution
Dubai: Lost your passport in Dubai? Facing a sudden medical emergency? An Emirati student has designed an AI-powered app that could be a lifesaver – and it just won him a top award. Abdulrahman Al Marzooqi, a master's student at the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) in Abu Dhabi, clinched first place in the coding category at the Global Prompt Engineering Championship 2025 during the inaugural Dubai AI Week. His prizewinning creation is an intuitive AI emergency response assistant app that offers calm, real-time support for a range of crises – from lost travel documents to urgent medical help. The competition, featuring a Dh1 million prize pool split across arts, video, gaming, and coding, attracted more than 3,800 participants from more than 125 countries. Al Marzooqi did the UAE proud by securing top honours in the coding category and dedicated his award to the country's rulers. 'Their great interest and support to the AI field has paid off, and this is just the start,' he told Gulf News after being presented the award by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Dubai Future Foundation. Cracking the code Finalists in the competition were challenged to develop an AI-powered emergency response app tailored for Dubai's fast-paced environment. 'In a fast-paced, international city like Dubai, having real-time guidance and access to the right help can be life-saving. The AI assistant was designed to provide immediate, accurate support, helping users stay safe and informed when it matters most,' said the student from MBZUAI – the world's first graduate-level, research-based artificial intelligence university. Before the competition, he studied past edition closely, taught himself how to build websites, and refined his skills through countless experiments in prompt engineering. Al Marzooqi credits MBZUAI's world-class faculty, cutting-edge research opportunities, and hands-on projects for sharpening his AI skills. 'MBZUAI has had a profound impact on my journey in AI. I was able to significantly build my prompt engineering skills. In fact, I applied for this championship through an announcement from the Career Services team at MBZUAI.' What's next? As for the future, Al Marzooqi plans to build a career in AI, applying his talents across industries like healthcare and education. Will he turn his emergency app into a startup? Maybe, but not just yet. 'This is of course an option, but at least not right now. It is also possible to develop new apps or start an AI company. However, I still did not decide.' One thing is certain: his journey is just beginning. 'I am excited by the UAE's bold vision to become a global leader in AI. I believe my skills can support the UAE's mission to harness AI for economic growth and social progress. I am also committed to ongoing learning, which I see as essential in such a fast-evolving field,' Al Marzooqi added.
Khaleej Times
21-03-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
Al Marzooqi makes history as first Emirati to qualify for prestigious FEI World Cup finals
Omar Abdul Aziz Al Marzooqi has made history as the first Emirati showjumper to qualify for the FEI World Cup Finals, securing his place among the sport's elite. The 21-year-old, who finished second in the Arab League Middle East standings, will represent the UAE on one of the sport's grandest stages in Basel, Switzerland, from April 2 to 6, 2025. The FEI World Cup Finals in show jumping are one of the most prestigious indoor championships in equestrian sport, organized annually by the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI). The event brings together the top riders and horses from various regional leagues around the world to compete for the coveted title. 'Qualifying for the FEI World Cup Finals is an incredible honour,' said Al Marzooqi. 'Being the only Emirati from the Arab League makes it even more special. I am excited to compete among the world's best and showcase my skills on this prestigious platform.' Al Marzooqi will compete on his Olympic mount, Enjoy de la Mure (Vigo Cece x Sable Rose), owned by Al Shira'aa Farms. Founded by Sheikha Fatima Bint Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the company has stables in both the UAE and the UK. He will be among 42 qualified athletes from 23 countries vying for the 2025 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup title. A Rising Star Al Marzooqi's qualification marks another milestone in an extraordinary 18-month rise in the sport. His ascent was recognized when he was named the Longines FEI Rising Star, a testament to his talent and determination. Currently ranked 102nd in the Longines world rankings and fifth in the U25 category, he is fast becoming one of the sport's most promising young competitors. His recent achievements include representing the UAE at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he reached the individual final, and securing both an individual silver medal and a team bronze at the 19th Asian Games in 2023. He also won the prestigious FEI Zangersheide Sires of the World in Lanaken last September. Notably, at just 15 years old, he became the first UAE athlete to win a Youth Olympic medal when he clinched silver at the 2018 Games in Buenos Aires. Gratitude for Success Al Marzooqi was quick to acknowledge the unwavering support that has shaped his journey, particularly from UAE leadership and the equestrian community. 'First and foremost, I would like to thank Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, and Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative of Al Ain Region, for their dedication to the development of equestrian sport,' he said. 'Special thanks to Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, whose vision and commitment have been instrumental in raising the standards of show jumping in the UAE.' 'Sheikha Fatima introduced youth categories that gave riders like me the chance to gain experience and compete at a high level. Her support of the UAE International Tour has allowed us to test our skills against some of the best European riders, helping us improve and gain confidence,' he added. Al Marzooqi also expressed his gratitude to his family and mentors. 'My father and family have been my pillars of support throughout my journey, and I owe them everything. I am also incredibly thankful for our Chef d'Equipe, William Funnel, whose leadership and training have played a crucial role in my development.' A Testament to UAE Equestrian Excellence Al Marzooqi's success highlights the impact of Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan's leadership in elevating UAE equestrian sports. As Chairwoman of the Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, Al Ain and Abu Dhabi Ladies Clubs, and Al Shira'aa Farms, Sheikha Fatima has been a driving force behind the nation's equestrian achievements. Her efforts in establishing dedicated youth programs and promoting female participation through the Fatima bint Mubarak Academy (FBMA) have paved the way for Emirati riders to compete at the highest levels. As he prepares for his World Cup Finals debut, Al Marzooqi will return to Paris to compete in the Saut Hermès as part of his final preparations. With a strong support system, an elite horse, and an unwavering determination, the UAE's rising star is ready to take on his biggest challenge yet in Basel 2025.
