This initiative supports the UAE governments efforts to develop space services and applications, while enhancing government efficiency, strengthening private sector capabilities and boosting its competitiveness locally and globally.
The UAE Space Agency has unveiled the next generation of its GIQ platform, developed in partnership with Space42. Titled Smart Transformation in Satellite Image Acquisition, the project supports the national ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision and forms part of the UAE governments third cycle of transformational initiatives. The announcement was made during the Agencys participation at GITEX Global 2025.
As part of this initiative, the UAE Space Agency also signed an agreement with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) to integrate the Centres satellite data into the GIQ platform. The collaboration aims to enhance the nations space service ecosystem, boost government efficiency, strengthen private sector capabilities and increase the UAEs competitiveness both regionally and globally.
His Excellency Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports and Chairman of the UAE Space Agency, said: “The Smart Transformation in Satellite Image Acquisition reflects the UAE’s commitment to adopt innovative digital solutions that enhance the integration of technology and space data, promoting a knowledge-based economy. It also embodies the UAE leadership’s vision of building an integrated national space system that enables public and private organisations to employ artificial intelligence in data analysis and accelerate future decision-making.”
Al Falasi stressed that the project represents a significant step forward in achieving We the UAE 2031 vision, to build a more pioneering and forward-looking government, developing an advanced space system that supports a data-driven economy.
His Excellency Salem Butti Al Qubaisi, Director-General of UAE Space Agency, added: “The next generation of GIQ marks a pivotal step toward addressing existing challenges in space data, which include the multiplicity of service providers and the difficulty of dealing with each of them separately, delayed responses due to the long time required for application procedures, as well as the difficulty of selecting the most appropriate satellite due to the diversity of specifications, and the high operational costs resulting from the complexity of administrative and technical procedures.”
Al Qubaisi emphasised that the next generation of GIQ aims to build a smart and balanced digital environment that supports innovation and public-private partnerships in space services. It also aims to achieve a 50% growth in satellite imagery requests over two years, and a satisfaction rate exceeding 80% for ease of use and accuracy.
His Excellency Salem Humaid Al Marri, Director-General of MBRSC, stated: “The upgraded GIQ platform reflects the UAEs commitment to building an integrated, sustainable, and data-driven future. By enabling access to satellite data from MBRSCs growing fleet of high-resolution satellites through the platform, we are expanding national capabilities in Earth observation and ensuring that space-derived data directly supports environmental monitoring, resource management, and sustainable development for both public and private entities. This collaboration further strengthens the foundation for a smarter digital ecosystem, aligning with the goals of We the UAE 2031 to advance innovation, efficiency, and sustainability across every sector of the nation.”
Hasan Al Hosani, CEO of Smart Solutions at Space42, commented: “Space42’s partnership with the UAE Space Agency continues to evolve with the next generation of GIQ, advancing our strategy to become a global leader in geospatial intelligence AI platforms and services. By integrating our capabilities with the UAE Space Agency’s vision and welcoming MBRSC’s valuable satellite data into the platform, we’re creating an ecosystem that democratizes access to space data and AI-powered analytics. This collaboration exemplifies how public-private partnerships can accelerate innovation and position the UAE as a hub for advanced space applications that drive economic growth and competitiveness.”
In the first phase, in partnership with Space42, the platform services will be available free of charge to partners of the Space Analytics and Solutions (SAS) Program, as part of its efforts to support researchers, entrepreneurs, and startups in developing innovative, economically-viable space applications. Other entities from the public and private sectors will be able to benefit from the service through commercial contracts with the service provider, Space42.
The platform currently offers comprehensive services, including the ability to request archival or new satellite images from international space agencies and a number of leading global private companies. It also offers access to basic artificial intelligence models and advanced analytics applications for analysing satellite imagery, while also creating an environment for marketing space services and applications.
The platform offers access to 10 global satellite imagery providers: Space42, Airbus, BlackSky, NASA (Landsat), Maxar, Planet, Satellogic, the European Space Agency (Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2), Umbra and MBRSC. These entities operate over 300 satellites covering various regions, providing a wide range of advanced imaging capabilities, including high-resolution optical imagery, all-weather radar data, as well as multispectral imagery and temporal analysis.
Users can access the platforms advanced services and features by visiting the official website GIQ.AE, which provides an integrated experience for requesting satellite images, analysing data and marketing satellite applications and services.
The GIQ platformSmart Transformation in Satellite Image Acquisition is one of the UAE Space Agency’s key transformational projects in 2025. It is an initiative within the government’s efforts to develop space services and applications. This project contributes to raising the efficiency of government work, supporting the capabilities of the private sector, in addition to supporting the UAE’s global standing and enhancing its competitiveness.
