The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) announced today the launch of the Middle East’s first dedicated commercial Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite manufacturing facility. The project will be delivered in partnership with Space42, the UAE’s AI-powered space technology company with global reach.
Revealed during Make it in the Emirates 2025, the facility will be named Space42 Space Systems. It will localize the design, assembly and testing of SAR satellites used for Earth Observation (EO), securing independent access to space-based intelligence for Abu Dhabi.
This marks the first time such capabilities will be developed locally for commercial use, enabling the UAE to produce advanced EO satellites independently and strengthening its sovereign space infrastructure.
“Bringing commercial satellite manufacturing into the UAE marks a pivotal step in realizing Space42’s strategy. It enhances our sovereign capability in Earth Observation and strengthens our position as the preferred partner for premium geospatial data,” stated Hasan Al Hosani, CEO of Banayat Smart Solutions at Space42.
Abu Dhabi to lead global space economy’s growth
Operated by Space42, Abu Dhabi’s Space42 Space Systems facility will oversee the full manufacturing lifecycle of satellites, from system design to launch readiness. It advances the company’s goal of building sovereign Earth Observation capabilities while anchoring a space ecosystem that can scale globally from Abu Dhabi.
SAR satellites, capable of capturing high-resolution imagery in all weather and light conditions, are vital for national security, environmental monitoring and disaster response. Until now, production of these systems has remained largely concentrated in a handful of international markets.
Through this pioneering facility, Abu Dhabi will, for the first time, assemble, integrate and test commercial SAR satellites, positioning the emirate at the forefront of the global space economy and reinforcing its status as a center of excellence for space innovation.
“This strategic partnership brings together global capability and national ambition. By enabling transformative companies like Space42 to scale breakthrough technologies here in Abu Dhabi, we are delivering on our mandate to accelerate the emirate’s economic growth and establish future-ready industries. The transformational project demonstrates Abu Dhabi’s vision in action, enabling knowledge transfer, advancing critical infrastructure and delivering sustainable economic impact,” stated His Excellency Badr Al-Olama, director general of ADIO.
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Facility to develop sustainable pipeline of local talent
The project will be implemented by Space42, established to operate the facility using best-in-class technology in systems integration, advanced testing and launch preparation.
Beyond manufacturing, the facility will actively support Abu Dhabi’s strategy to develop a sustainable pipeline of local talent. It will embed robust academic and industry programs, including internships for UAE nationals, technical lectures, industry site visits and research collaborations with leading Abu Dhabi universities. These initiatives will contribute to developing a national space workforce with hands-on industrial expertise.
“Abu Dhabi is at the center of this ambition, providing the environment to test, scale and export space-based capabilities that are sovereign at origin and global in application. With ADIO as a partner, we are turning strategic intent into scalable infrastructure and cultivating Emirati talent that will shape the future of this sector,” added Al Hosani.
The new modular facility will also manage the complete Assembly, Integration and Testing (AIT) lifecycle, from system design to launch preparation.
As space becomes an increasingly important sector of the global economy, ADIO’s support ensures that Abu Dhabi becomes an exporter of satellite technology, reinforcing the emirate’s status as a regional hub for manufacturing, data intelligence and sovereign technologies.
