emirates7 - The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) has announced the launch of the Middle East’s first dedicated commercial Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite manufacturing facility, in partnership with Space42—an advanced UAE-based space technology company with a global presence.
Named Space42 Space Systems, the new facility will handle the local design, assembly, and testing of SAR satellites for Earth Observation (EO). This marks a significant milestone, as it is the first time such capabilities will be developed within the region for commercial purposes, allowing the UAE to independently produce EO satellites and enhance its sovereign space infrastructure.
Unveiled at the “Make it in the Emirates” 2025 forum, this project aligns with ADIO’s mission to stimulate strategic investments in key sectors. It represents a step forward in building a knowledge-driven economy and transforming Abu Dhabi into a global leader in advanced manufacturing.
Space42 Space Systems is expected to generate long-term economic benefits and highly skilled job opportunities, particularly for Emirati talent. This reflects the emirate’s ongoing commitment to nurturing a capable local workforce in the high-tech industrial sector.
Badr Al-Olama, Director-General of ADIO, stated, “This collaboration merges international expertise with national aspirations. By supporting innovative companies like Space42 to scale next-generation technologies in Abu Dhabi, we’re accelerating economic growth and building industries of the future. The project is a clear reflection of our long-term vision—supporting knowledge exchange, infrastructure development, and sustainable economic impact.”
The facility, fully operated by Space42, will manage the end-to-end satellite manufacturing process—from design and integration to launch readiness. This supports Space42’s broader goal of establishing the UAE’s sovereign EO capabilities and developing a globally competitive space ecosystem rooted in Abu Dhabi.
Hasan Al Hosani, CEO of Banayat Smart Solutions at Space42, emphasized, “Establishing commercial satellite production in the UAE is a major milestone in our growth strategy. It boosts our national EO capabilities and strengthens our global reputation as a provider of high-quality geospatial data. Abu Dhabi offers the ideal environment to develop, scale, and export space-based technologies that are locally made but globally applicable. With ADIO’s support, we’re building infrastructure that turns vision into reality and empowering local talent to lead this sector forward.”
SAR satellites, known for delivering high-resolution imagery under all weather and lighting conditions, are essential for national security, environmental surveillance, and disaster management. Until now, these technologies have primarily been manufactured in a limited number of countries.
This groundbreaking initiative allows Abu Dhabi to independently assemble, integrate, and test SAR satellites, positioning the city as a major player in the international space sector and a hub for space innovation.
Space42 will operate the facility using cutting-edge technologies in system integration, advanced testing, and launch preparation. In addition to manufacturing, the facility will play a vital role in nurturing local talent through educational and industry partnerships, offering internships for UAE nationals, technical workshops, site visits, and collaborative research with leading academic institutions in Abu Dhabi.
The modular facility will handle the full Assembly, Integration, and Testing (AIT) lifecycle, from initial design to final launch prep.
As the space sector becomes a critical part of the global economy, ADIO’s investment ensures that Abu Dhabi evolves from a technology consumer into an exporter of satellite innovation, reinforcing its role as a regional leader in manufacturing, data intelligence, and sovereign space technologies.
Named Space42 Space Systems, the new facility will handle the local design, assembly, and testing of SAR satellites for Earth Observation (EO). This marks a significant milestone, as it is the first time such capabilities will be developed within the region for commercial purposes, allowing the UAE to independently produce EO satellites and enhance its sovereign space infrastructure.
Unveiled at the “Make it in the Emirates” 2025 forum, this project aligns with ADIO’s mission to stimulate strategic investments in key sectors. It represents a step forward in building a knowledge-driven economy and transforming Abu Dhabi into a global leader in advanced manufacturing.
Space42 Space Systems is expected to generate long-term economic benefits and highly skilled job opportunities, particularly for Emirati talent. This reflects the emirate’s ongoing commitment to nurturing a capable local workforce in the high-tech industrial sector.
Badr Al-Olama, Director-General of ADIO, stated, “This collaboration merges international expertise with national aspirations. By supporting innovative companies like Space42 to scale next-generation technologies in Abu Dhabi, we’re accelerating economic growth and building industries of the future. The project is a clear reflection of our long-term vision—supporting knowledge exchange, infrastructure development, and sustainable economic impact.”
The facility, fully operated by Space42, will manage the end-to-end satellite manufacturing process—from design and integration to launch readiness. This supports Space42’s broader goal of establishing the UAE’s sovereign EO capabilities and developing a globally competitive space ecosystem rooted in Abu Dhabi.
Hasan Al Hosani, CEO of Banayat Smart Solutions at Space42, emphasized, “Establishing commercial satellite production in the UAE is a major milestone in our growth strategy. It boosts our national EO capabilities and strengthens our global reputation as a provider of high-quality geospatial data. Abu Dhabi offers the ideal environment to develop, scale, and export space-based technologies that are locally made but globally applicable. With ADIO’s support, we’re building infrastructure that turns vision into reality and empowering local talent to lead this sector forward.”
SAR satellites, known for delivering high-resolution imagery under all weather and lighting conditions, are essential for national security, environmental surveillance, and disaster management. Until now, these technologies have primarily been manufactured in a limited number of countries.
This groundbreaking initiative allows Abu Dhabi to independently assemble, integrate, and test SAR satellites, positioning the city as a major player in the international space sector and a hub for space innovation.
Space42 will operate the facility using cutting-edge technologies in system integration, advanced testing, and launch preparation. In addition to manufacturing, the facility will play a vital role in nurturing local talent through educational and industry partnerships, offering internships for UAE nationals, technical workshops, site visits, and collaborative research with leading academic institutions in Abu Dhabi.
The modular facility will handle the full Assembly, Integration, and Testing (AIT) lifecycle, from initial design to final launch prep.
As the space sector becomes a critical part of the global economy, ADIO’s investment ensures that Abu Dhabi evolves from a technology consumer into an exporter of satellite innovation, reinforcing its role as a regional leader in manufacturing, data intelligence, and sovereign space technologies.