Space42, the UAE-based AI-powered spacetech company, has announced a strategic collaboration with FADA, an entity that is part of UAE’s EDGE, a technology company established to develop the UAE’s sovereign geospatial analytics capabilities, to significantly advance the UAE’s Earth observation (EO) downstream capabilities.
The contract, valued at AED378 million (about US$103 million), aims to provide comprehensive solutions across various sectors.
The collaboration will leverage data from Space42’s Foresight Constellation of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites, first launched in August 2024 and expanded in January 2025. Space42 and FADA say they will collaborate with multiple government end users to continuously develop the platform capabilities over the next few years.
The collaboration, says Space42, will elevate the capabilities of its Earth observation technologies and contribute significantly to the UAE’s strategic objectives in data-driven decision-making by leveraging advanced analytics and multi-source geospatial data.
Launched in September last year, FADA’s mission is to develop sovereign space capabilities and homegrown technologies in the UAE. Its name is derived from the Arabic word for space.
Waleid Al Mesmari, President – Space & Cyber Technologies, EDGE, explains: "With the launch of FADA, EDGE’s new space company, we are reinforcing our commitment to pioneering advanced technologies and strengthening national capabilities. FADA's mission to develop sovereign space solutions and drive innovation in satellite systems aligns with this collaboration. "
As we reported at the time, Space42 was established in 2024 following the successful merger between Bayanat, an AI-powered geospatial solutions provider, and Yahsat, the UAE’s flagship satellite operator. It has two business units. The Yahsat Space Services unit focuses on upstream satellite operations for both fixed and mobility satellite solutions. The Bayanat Smart Solutions unit integrates geospatial data acquisition and processing with AI to inform decision-making, enhance situational awareness, and improve operational efficiency.