The joint venture will create a dedicated hub to manufacture, deploy, and operate sovereign EO space missions and establish a competitive commercial EO programmes.
Space42, the UAE-based AI-powered SpaceTech company with global reach, and FADA, an EDGE Group entity established to develop the UAEs sovereign space capabilities, have announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to form a strategic joint venture (JV). This collaboration is designed to bolster the UAEs sovereign space capabilities by developing a fully integrated Earth Observation (EO) ecosystem and advance the nation’s role as a leader in AI-powered space solutions.
The joint venture will serve as a central hub for manufacturing, deploying, and operating EO assets. By combining Space42s advanced space infrastructure and expertise in geospatial analytics and artificial intelligence with FADAs leadership in advanced technology and defence, the planned JV will deliver dual-use EO capabilities tailored for both government and commercial applications. The initiative will also accelerate the UAEs ability to develop and deploy next-generation satellite constellations, ensuring a competitive edge in the global space economy.
The joint venture aligns with the UAEs in-country manufacturing objectives. It will be an industrial and operational platform to deploy and integrate the UAEs sovereign high-performance EO space missions and support economic diversification by fostering a local high-tech ecosystem with global reach.
The planned JV demonstrates Space42 and FADAs commitment to advancing SpaceTech innovation and the UAEs sovereign capabilities in this field. The JV will contribute to the UAE Space Strategy 2030 by strengthening local research and development, fostering industry collaborations, and driving new space-based applications that enhance economic resilience.
The joint venture will integrate, own, and operate a portfolio of dual-use EO assets and capabilities. It will leverage Space42s Assembly, Integration, and Testing (AIT) facilities to expand large-scale satellite manufacturing. Beyond defence and security applications, the JV will drive commercial opportunities in environmental monitoring, urban planning, resource management, smart mobility, and infrastructure development, supporting the UAEs long-term sustainability goals.
It will span the entire value chain, serving as a dedicated hub to integrate, manufacture, and operate EO assets, including advanced multi-sensor satellite constellations.
Hasan Al Hosani, CEO of Bayanat Smart Solutions, Space42, said: “This joint venture will take the UAEs sovereign space ambitions beyond todays industry norms. In partnership with EDGE, we are bringing together two national champions to shape the future of space technology and reinforce the UAEs leadership in this critical sector. This joint venture is about more than advancing Earth Observation capabilities, it is about redefining how we harness space for national security, economic growth, and innovation. Space42 is committed to pushing beyond conventional boundaries, ensuring that the UAE is not just participating in the global space economy, but leading it.”
Waleid AlMesmari, President, Space & Cyber Technologies Cluster at EDGE, added: “This joint venture brings together FADAs expertise in advanced technology, defence, and manufacturing with Space42s leadership in AI-driven satellite solutions, creating a powerhouse for next-generation space-based intelligence and situational awareness. The joint venture is more than an investment in sovereign Earth Observationits a bold step towards enhancing decision-making, environmental resilience, and technological autonomy. By integrating cutting-edge space assets with AI-powered analytics, we are not only strengthening the UAEs strategic position but also advancing critical applications in climate monitoring, disaster response, and resource management, ensuring a more secure and sustainable future.”
