Latest news with #UAEspace
Zawya
31 minutes ago
- Business
- Zawya
Hamdan bin Mohammed explores future of space sector with leading UAE-based startups
DUBAI: H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of the Supreme Space Council, met with representatives of leading space sector startups operating in the UAE. The meeting is part of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan's keenness to advance the national space ecosystem and further promote its role as a global leader in the space industry. H.H. Sheikh Hamdan underscored the importance of strong partnerships and strategic collaboration between the public and private sectors as a foundation for developing an advanced and innovative space ecosystem. He highlighted that continuous innovation and long-term investment in future technologies are essential to this progress. Sheikh Hamdan also expressed confidence in the capabilities of UAE-based companies and entrepreneurs, noting their crucial role in driving the growth of the local space industry and strengthening the country's position as a leading global hub in this strategic field. H.H. Sheikh Hamdan also highlighted the space sector as a vital driver of the future and sustainable economic growth. He stressed the UAE's ongoing efforts to build a supportive environment that fosters the growth of national companies and unlock new opportunities for investment and innovation, boosting the country's global competitiveness and leadership in space. The private sector is leading the space scene in the UAE, reaffirming the maturity of national investments that have been established over the past three decades A number of the UAE based companies took part in the meeting, representing a wide range of specialisations, including locally developed Internet of Things (IoT) solutions, artificial intelligence and remote sensing, commercial space ecosystem development, edge computing for robotics applications, high-resolution Earth observation via microsatellites, as well as AI systems, robotics, interactive simulation technologies, and reusable space launch systems. Participants shared insights into their current projects, long-term strategies, and future investment plans in support of the national economy. Discussions focused on strengthening public-private collaboration, expanding operations both locally and internationally, and exploring promising opportunities within the UAE's growing space sector—highlighting the private sector's central role in shaping a globally competitive and integrated space industry. Company representatives reaffirmed their commitment to the UAE's space ambitions and outlined plans to expand their operations within the country. They praised the UAE's flexible regulatory framework and advanced infrastructure as key enablers of sustained investment. Attendees also welcomed initiatives such as the Space Economic Zones Programme, which they said play a vital role in enabling collaboration and fostering long-term, sustainable growth across the space ecosystem. The meeting was attended by Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports, Secretary-General of the Supreme Space Council, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the UAE Space Agency; Khalid Al Awadi, founder of Rimal; Ibrahim Al Obaidly, founder of Ardhiyat Al Ibdaa Information Solutions; David Critchley, CEO of 4EI; Dr. Hamdullah Mohib, CEO of Marlan Space; Alex Lapir, CEO of Aliensense; Abdulhalim Jallad, co-founder of Oryx Space; and Stan Rudenko, CEO of Aspire Space Technology.
Arabian Business
9 hours ago
- Business
- Arabian Business
Sheikh Hamdan meets UAE space sector startups as country emerges as out-of-this-world hub
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of the Supreme Space Council, met with representatives of leading space sector startups operating in the UAE. The meeting is part of. Sheikh Hamdan's keenness to advance the national space ecosystem and further promote its role as a global leader in the space industry. Sheikh Hamdan underscored the importance of strong partnerships and strategic collaboration between the public and private sectors as a foundation for developing an advanced and innovative space ecosystem. UAE space sector He highlighted that continuous innovation and long-term investment in future technologies are essential to this progress. Sheikh Hamdan also expressed confidence in the capabilities of UAE-based companies and entrepreneurs, noting their crucial role in driving the growth of the local space industry and strengthening the country's position as a leading global hub in this strategic field. Sheikh Hamdan also highlighted the space sector as a vital driver of the future and sustainable economic growth. He stressed the UAE's ongoing efforts to build a supportive environment that fosters the growth of national companies and unlock new opportunities for investment and innovation, boosting the country's global competitiveness and leadership in space. The private sector is leading the space scene in the UAE, reaffirming the maturity of national investments that have been established over the past three decades A number of the UAE based companies took part in the meeting, representing a wide range of specialisations, including: Locally developed Internet of Things (IoT) solutions Artificial intelligence and remote sensing Commercial space ecosystem development Edge computing for robotics applications High-resolution Earth observation via microsatellites AI systems Robotics Interactive simulation technologies Reusable space launch systems Participants shared insights into their current projects, long-term strategies, and future investment plans in support of the national economy. Discussions focused on strengthening public-private collaboration, expanding operations both locally and internationally, and exploring promising opportunities within the UAE's growing space sector—highlighting the private sector's central role in shaping a globally competitive and integrated space industry. UAE startups play crucial role in developing space sector Company representatives reaffirmed their commitment to the UAE's space ambitions and outlined plans to expand their operations within the country. They praised the UAE's flexible regulatory framework and advanced infrastructure as key enablers of sustained investment. Attendees also welcomed initiatives such as the Space Economic Zones Programme, which they said play a vital role in enabling collaboration and fostering long-term, sustainable growth across the space ecosystem. The meeting was attended by: Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports, Secretary-General of the Supreme Space Council, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the UAE Space Agency Khalid Al Awadi, founder of Rimal Ibrahim Al Obaidly, founder of Ardhiyat Al Ibdaa Information Solutions David Critchley, CEO of 4EI Dr. Hamdullah Mohib, CEO of Marlan Space Alex Lapir, CEO of Aliensense Abdulhalim Jallad, co-founder of Oryx Space
Zawya
21-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Future-Fit Seal credits Space42 for enabling UAE's next-generation geospatial infrastructure
GIQ platform developed by Space42 in partnership with the UAE Space Agency powers national space data capabilities recognized for digital readiness and operational impact Abu Dhabi – GIQ, the geospatial AI platform developed and operated by Space42, is the core digital infrastructure powering the UAE Space Data Center, which was recently awarded the prestigious Future-Fit Seal by the UAE Government Development and the Future Office. Space42, the UAE-based AI-powered SpaceTech company that seamlessly integrates satellite communications, geospatial analytics, and artificial intelligence capabilities with global reach, is a key partner in the Space Data Center initiative, reflecting a shared commitment to building national capabilities in space-based technologies and artificial intelligence. The Future-Fit Seal is awarded to exceptional federal and local government projects that demonstrate readiness to navigate future challenges through bold thinking, proactive execution, and the use of advanced technologies. The Space Data Center was recognized for its role in accelerating digital transformation, reinforcing the UAE's global competitiveness, and enabling resilient, forward-looking infrastructure. His Excellency Salem Butti Al Qubaisi, Director-General of UAE Space Agency, said: 'The Future-Fit Seal award is a qualitative addition to the national space sector's digital transformation journey. This recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to employing artificial intelligence and the latest technologies to serve national priorities.' Al Qubaisi added: 'This milestone is a testament to what we can achieve when we combine national ambition with technical expertise. The accomplishments of the Geo-Spatial Analytics Platform (GIQ) prove that space data can make a real difference in people's lives and enable organisations to make accurate and rapid decisions. This achievement also embodies the potential of effective strategic partnerships, such as the one between the UAE Space Agency Agency and Space42. This partnership seeks to develop a flexible and efficient space infrastructure to combat future challenges and promote the UAE's position as a pioneer in building a sustainable and smart space economy.' GIQ was designed and built by Space42 and now anchors one of the UAE's most strategic platforms. It is central to the company's second strategic pillar: to lead globally in geospatial intelligence platforms and services. The platform accesses data from more than 300 global satellites through integration agreements and hosts approximately 50 internally developed AI models addressing a range of applications. Since 2022, it has supported more than 30 operational use cases across environmental resilience, disaster response, urban planning, and food security. Hasan Al Hosani, CEO of Smart Solutions at Space42, said: 'We are honored to contribute to a national program that has received this recognition. GIQ was built with a clear mission: to turn space data into societal value. Whether it is supporting rapid response to floods or helping governments plan for food and water security, we see our role as enabling institutions to make better decisions, faster.' GIQ enables a range of services within the Space Data Center, including on-demand access to Earth observation data, real-time AI-powered analytics, and a dedicated marketplace for space-based applications. These services support both government and commercial use and allow for seamless integration into decision-making across critical sectors. The Space Data Center enhances the UAE's ability to manage national risks and global crises. Through the Center, the UAE has activated its membership in the International Charter on Space and Major Disasters, becoming the only Arab state participating in this global coordination mechanism. GIQ has enabled critical contributions to international humanitarian and scientific efforts, including support for natural disaster response and precision analysis for environmental protection. As part of the award submission, Space42's infrastructure and capabilities including manufacturing and satellite operations in the Space42 Lab, as well as large-scale data management were presented to demonstrate the national infrastructure supporting the Center's operational mission. This integration of digital and physical systems positions the Space Data Center as a platform for government readiness across civil, commercial, and defense domains. The Future-Fit Seal recognizes projects that are proactive, data-driven, and designed to serve long-term national priorities. The recognition of the Space Data Center reflects the strength of the partnership between the UAE Space Agency and Space42, and reinforces the UAE's leadership in building a resilient, AI-enabled space economy.
Khaleej Times
20-05-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE to increase private sector role in space missions, award more contracts: Officials
The UAE is expanding private sector involvement in its space programme by awarding more contracts to local companies, officials announced on Tuesday at the ' Make it in the Emirates ' conference. Speaking during the conference, Amer Al Sayegh, deputy assistant of Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), said the UAE is not seeking to attract space companies that are solely coming for contracts. The country welcomes entities that want to establish their presence here, as more and more contracts are awarded to the private sector. The move mirrors global trends, including Nasa's approach, and aims to develop an advanced local space industry. 'Nasa used to do their own projects, but today they are awarding contracts to companies. Shifting the work and activities from the government to the private sector is faster and more efficient and provides better results. This is what we are also planning to do now. "We issued a new tender to move the development of our platform called Payload Hosting Initiative. We have offered a tender to local companies to build and take care of the development of this mission. This will build the capability of the private sector to take care of a full mission. This is what we want to do even on our other mission," Al Sayegh said during the panel discussion at the conference. He added that they look at both the cost locally and internationally of the project before making a decision. 'Space is global. You cannot do everything in one country. Not even the US is doing it, but we try to do that with the best that we can with available partners here in the UAE. This goes across the globe for all our projects – be it satellite development, rovers, space exploration missions, and astronaut programme,' he added during the discussion on the topic of Deep technology and space manufacturing: New frontiers for UAE industrial ecosystem. Salem Butti Salem Al Qubaisi, director-general of UAE Space Agency; Karim Sabbagh, managing director of Space42; and Abdelhafid Mordi, CEO of Thales Emarat Technologies, also attended the panel discussion. Al Qubaisi said under the UAE Space Strategy 2030, the focus is focused on delivering competitive and world-class services in the space industry, building national capacity in terms of human resources, and international cooperation among others.
Zawya
20-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Abu Dhabi's Space42 set to make earth observation satellites
Abu Dhabi's Space42 is set to launch the MENA's first earth observation satellite manufacturing hub after its subsidiary Mira Aerospace opened the region's first High Altitude Platform Stations manufacturing center in Abu Dhabi. The efforts are part of plans to advance UAE's Earth Observation (EO) Space Program, designed to build capabilities in satellite-based remote sensing. Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange-listed Space42 was created through the merger of Abu Dhabi companies Bayanat and Yahsat. Its major shareholders include other Abu Dhabi entities, including G42, Mubadala and the International Holding Company (IHC) . The company last year won a $5 billion 17-year contract from the UAE government to produce new satellites. In October, the UAE government set up the Supreme Space Council to develop the country's space sector, oversee the public policies, and set up a framework for managing infrastructure, facilities, and assets in space sector. (Writing by Brinda Darasha; editing by Daniel Luiz)
