Abu Dhabi unveils region’s first SAR satellite manufacturing facility
Pioneering project to strengthen UAE’s sovereign earth observation capabilities
ABU DHABI: The Middle East’s first commercial satellite manufacturing facility dedicated to Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology has officially been launched in Abu Dhabi.
The strategic project is being implemented through a partnership between the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and Space42, a UAE-headquartered space tech leader.
Unveiled during the Make it in the Emirates 2025 forum, the facility will be known as Space42 Space Systems. It marks a milestone in regional space capabilities, becoming the first local hub to design, assemble and test advanced earth observation (EO) satellites. SAR technology, known for capturing high-resolution images regardless of weather or lighting, plays a key role in environmental monitoring, national security, and disaster management.
Sovereign satellite capability
This is the first time such complex capabilities are being developed locally for commercial use in the UAE. The facility aims to secure independent access to satellite-based intelligence for Abu Dhabi, breaking international dependency and strengthening sovereign infrastructure. Until now, commercial SAR satellite production has remained concentrated in a few overseas markets.
Space42 Space Systems will handle the entire satellite manufacturing lifecycle—from system design through to launch readiness—using best-in-class systems integration, testing and preparation technologies. The facility also aligns with the UAE’s EO Space Programme and Space Strategy 2030, with a focus on building national capacities in remote sensing.
Economic growth engine
The initiative reflects ADIO’s wider mission to drive investment into high-impact sectors and reinforce Abu Dhabi’s position as a global hub for advanced manufacturing. The project is expected to generate significant economic value, alongside high-skilled job opportunities – many of which are targeted toward UAE Nationals.
“The partnership brings together global capability and national ambition,” said His Excellency Badr Al-Olama, Director General of ADIO. “We are enabling companies like Space42 to scale breakthrough technologies here in Abu Dhabi, while delivering sustainable economic impact and advancing critical infrastructure.”
Hasan Al Hosani, CEO of Banayat Smart Solutions at Space42, added: “This is a pivotal step in enhancing our sovereign EO capabilities. Abu Dhabi provides an ideal environment to test, scale and export technologies that are both sovereign at origin and global in application.”
Laying the foundation for long-term, sustainable growth in AI-powered #SpaceTech.
— Space42 (@space42ai) May 19, 2025
As Make it in the Emirates kicks off today, Mira Aerospace, the High-Altitude Platform Stations (HAPS) subsidiary of Space42, announces MENA’s first HAPS manufacturing center in #AbuDhabi. The… pic.twitter.com/nd2whUvZ7K
Building local talent
In addition to manufacturing, the facility is designed to foster a long-term talent pipeline for the UAE’s growing space sector. Initiatives include academic-industry programmes such as technical lectures, site visits, and internships, in partnership with leading Abu Dhabi universities.
The modular facility will manage the complete Assembly, Integration and Testing (AIT) process. It positions Abu Dhabi not only as a regional manufacturing powerhouse but also as an emerging exporter of cutting-edge satellite technologies in the global space economy.