The UAE’s space sector continues to grow and progress with the launch of the latest space company, FADA, by EDGE, one of the world’s leading advanced technology and defense groups.
This development will boost the group’s global competitiveness, solidify its position as a leader in space capabilities, and add next-generation solutions to its rapidly growing product portfolio. Moreover, it significantly contributes to the UAE’s transition to a knowledge-based economy and its broader economic diversification goals.
By leveraging national and international partnerships and fostering vital synergies through transfer of technology (ToT) and transfer of knowledge (ToK), FADA aims to build a self-reliant sovereign space sector that can support national and commercial requirements, ensuring the UAE remains at the cutting edge of space innovation and technology.
Advancing UAE’s sovereign space capabilities
EDGE has committed to advancing the UAE’s strategic interests in defense and advanced technology. Therefore, FADA’s mission is to develop sovereign space capabilities and homegrown technologies in the UAE.
“The launch of FADA will enable EDGE to grow and fortify its position in the global space industry in line with the UAE’s vision of becoming a leader in space technologies, creating the blueprint for a self-sufficient and innovative ecosystem,” stated Hamad Al Marar, managing director and CEO, EDGE Group.
The landmark development also adds next-generation solutions to the company’s product portfolio. This marks a strategic leap toward technological excellence and signals its broader ambitions to be a disruptor in the sector.
EDGE enters a new frontier with its new space company, FADA—meaning 'Space' in Arabic.
Spearheading national space capabilities, FADA reinforces our position as a global leader in space capabilities, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the UAE space sector.
Discover… pic.twitter.com/W65QCALow5
— EDGE (@_edgegroup) September 23, 2024
Read: Abu Dhabi’s G42, NVIDIA partner to advance climate technology
Boosting solutions
As a critical component of EDGE’s strategic vision, FADA will establish state-of-the-art facilities for the development, manufacturing, assembly, integration and testing of various satellite systems and subsystems. It will serve as a one-stop shop for all space-related activities. Moreover, it will provide end-to-end solutions and services to local and international customers, including:
- Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)
- Optical (EO) and Infrared (IR) payloads
- Satellite platforms
- Satellite cybersecurity and protection services
- Other space activities
“With the launch of FADA, EDGE reinforces its commitment to pioneering advanced technologies and forging local and global partnerships to establish next-generation facilities for the development of satellite systems, while building a sustainable and skilled space-focused workforce,” stated Waleid Al Mesmari, president of space and cyber technologies, EDGE.
The announcement of FADA follows EDGE’s selection in November 2023 as the prime contractor in a strategic partnership agreement with the UAE Space Agency to implement the ‘Sirb’ (Arabic for flock) program. Sirb aims to launch the first satellite, Sirb-1, by 2026 and is the UAE’s first national space capability-building program.
For more news on technology, click here.
