emirates7 - EDGE, one of the world's top advanced technology and defense groups, has unveiled its new space company, 'FADA,' named after the Arabic word for space.
This launch will enhance EDGE's global competitiveness, strengthen its leadership in space technologies, and expand its growing portfolio of next-generation solutions. Committed to advancing the UAE's strategic goals in defense and advanced technology, FADA's mission is to develop independent space capabilities and locally-made technologies in the UAE.
By building national and international partnerships and fostering knowledge and technology transfer, FADA aims to establish a self-reliant space sector that meets both national and commercial needs, ensuring the UAE remains at the forefront of space innovation.
FADA will also play a key role in the UAE's shift towards a knowledge-based economy and broader economic diversification.
Hamad Al Marar, EDGE's Managing Director and CEO, stated that the launch of FADA will allow EDGE to strengthen its position in the global space industry, aligning with the UAE’s vision of becoming a leader in space technologies. He added that this marks a major step towards technological excellence and represents EDGE's ambition to disrupt the space industry with innovative solutions.
As part of EDGE's strategic vision, FADA will establish cutting-edge facilities for the development, manufacturing, integration, and testing of various satellite systems. These facilities will provide end-to-end solutions for local and international clients, covering Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), Optical (EO) and Infrared (IR) payloads, satellite platforms, and satellite cybersecurity services, among other space-related activities.
Waleid Al Mesmari, President of Space & Cyber Technologies at EDGE, highlighted that the launch of FADA reaffirms EDGE's dedication to pioneering advanced technologies and building partnerships to develop satellite systems. He also emphasized that FADA will contribute to the growth of a sustainable, skilled workforce focused on the space sector, further advancing the UAE's knowledge-based economy and setting new standards in the global space industry.
This announcement follows EDGE’s selection in November 2023 as the lead contractor in a strategic partnership with the UAE Space Agency to implement the 'Sirb' programme. This initiative, which involves a constellation of three synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites, is one of EDGE’s first ventures into the space sector. Sirb plans to launch its first satellite, Sirb-1, by 2026 and represents the first national space capability-building project led by a local industrial consortium. The programme will also involve collaborations with other industry players, SMEs, and start-ups to further strengthen its capabilities.
This launch will enhance EDGE's global competitiveness, strengthen its leadership in space technologies, and expand its growing portfolio of next-generation solutions. Committed to advancing the UAE's strategic goals in defense and advanced technology, FADA's mission is to develop independent space capabilities and locally-made technologies in the UAE.
By building national and international partnerships and fostering knowledge and technology transfer, FADA aims to establish a self-reliant space sector that meets both national and commercial needs, ensuring the UAE remains at the forefront of space innovation.
FADA will also play a key role in the UAE's shift towards a knowledge-based economy and broader economic diversification.
Hamad Al Marar, EDGE's Managing Director and CEO, stated that the launch of FADA will allow EDGE to strengthen its position in the global space industry, aligning with the UAE’s vision of becoming a leader in space technologies. He added that this marks a major step towards technological excellence and represents EDGE's ambition to disrupt the space industry with innovative solutions.
As part of EDGE's strategic vision, FADA will establish cutting-edge facilities for the development, manufacturing, integration, and testing of various satellite systems. These facilities will provide end-to-end solutions for local and international clients, covering Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), Optical (EO) and Infrared (IR) payloads, satellite platforms, and satellite cybersecurity services, among other space-related activities.
Waleid Al Mesmari, President of Space & Cyber Technologies at EDGE, highlighted that the launch of FADA reaffirms EDGE's dedication to pioneering advanced technologies and building partnerships to develop satellite systems. He also emphasized that FADA will contribute to the growth of a sustainable, skilled workforce focused on the space sector, further advancing the UAE's knowledge-based economy and setting new standards in the global space industry.
This announcement follows EDGE’s selection in November 2023 as the lead contractor in a strategic partnership with the UAE Space Agency to implement the 'Sirb' programme. This initiative, which involves a constellation of three synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites, is one of EDGE’s first ventures into the space sector. Sirb plans to launch its first satellite, Sirb-1, by 2026 and represents the first national space capability-building project led by a local industrial consortium. The programme will also involve collaborations with other industry players, SMEs, and start-ups to further strengthen its capabilities.