Badr Al-Olama, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), highlighted the significance of this partnership in driving economic growth and fostering future-ready industries within the emirate.

This initiative represents the first local development of SAR satellite capabilities for commercial use, significantly enhancing the UAE's sovereign space infrastructure.

The new entity, Space42 Space Systems, was formed through the merger of Abu Dhabi companies Bayanat and Yahsat, with key stakeholders including G42, Mubadala, and the International Holding Company (IHC).

The project was unveiled at the 'Make it in the Emirates' 2025 event, aligning with ADIO's mission to attract strategic investments and bolster Abu Dhabi's knowledge economy.

Abu Dhabi is set to become a leader in the global space economy with the establishment of a new facility that will enable the assembly, integration, and testing of commercial Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites for the first time.

In addition to manufacturing, the facility will support local talent development through academic programs, internships, and research collaborations with universities.

Space42 will oversee the entire manufacturing lifecycle, from system design to launch readiness, reinforcing its commitment to building sovereign Earth Observation capabilities.

Hasan Al Hosani, CEO of Bayanat Smart Solutions at Space42, emphasized that the facility will significantly enhance the UAE's geospatial data capabilities and local talent cultivation in the space sector.

The SAR satellites produced at this facility are crucial for national security, environmental monitoring, and disaster response, addressing a market previously dominated by a few international players.

The modular facility will manage the complete Assembly, Integration, and Testing (AIT) lifecycle, positioning Abu Dhabi as an exporter of satellite technology and a regional hub for manufacturing and data intelligence.

In October 2024, the UAE government established the Supreme Space Council to oversee the development of the country's space sector and manage related infrastructure and policies.

This initiative is part of the UAE's broader efforts to enhance its Earth Observation Space Program, focusing on satellite-based remote sensing capabilities.