Bayanat, an ADX listed public company and leading provider of AI-powered geospatial solutions, and AI Yah Satellite Communications Company PJSC (Yahsat), the UAE’s flagship satellite solutions provider, has announced a comprehensive Space Program.
The Program aims to build national satellite remote sensing and Earth Observation (EO) capabilities within the UAE.
This Program forms part of the two companies’ partnership with ICEYE, a renowned SAR satellite. The expansion aims to explore commercial opportunities across the UAE space-ecosystem as well as global EO market.
The expansion of Bayanat’s capabilities into the space sector positions the company to drive its growth strategy and become a prominent player in the industry.
The launch of the first LEO satellite scheduled for Q1 2024 will significantly enhance Bayanat’s existing offerings to provide more comprehensive and high-quality services to clients both locally and internationally.
Hasan AlHosani, CEO of Bayanat, said, “The partnership between Bayanat and ICEYE, in collaboration with Yahsat, will drive the development of a sovereign EO ecosystem which will enable us to provide cutting-edge solutions, whilst contributing to skill development, scientific advancements, and sustained economic growth. We are excited to be at the forefront of this dynamic and rapidly evolving field and looking forward to developing a commercial space program in the UAE.”
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Yahsat is committed to join forces with various commercial and government-related entities to strengthen the UAE’s leadership in the space sector in MENA region, supported by Yahsat’s world-class infrastructure and suite of innovative solutions.
Ali Al Hashemi, Group CEO of Yahsat, said: “As part of Yahsat’s active role in empowering the space economy sector in line with the UAE’s Space Strategy 2030. We are also advancing new segments such as earth observation, in-country manufacturing and building the national capacities in the space sector.”
ICEYE is the one of the leading New Space companies in the world today with the proven ability to design, build and supply new-era SAR Earth observation satellites for customers.
Rafal Modrzewski, CEO and Co-Founder of ICEYE, said: “We’re honored to contribute to Bayanat’s space programme in meeting the sophisticated imagery requirements from their most demanding customers in the UAE. Until the launch next year, we will be providing access to our satellites already in orbit, so Bayanat can start utilizing radar satellite imagery for the benefit of the public and private sector customers in the UAE.”
UAE’s active participation in space-related activities
Recently, UAE became the world’s first Arab/ Middle Eastern country to send an astronaut to space. Beside, UAE is heavily investing in space-related activities lately, with an intention to diversify its economy and transitioning from its dependence on oil to a knowledge-based economy, and space exploration. This transition is also aims to better its collaboration on global front and position itself as a hub for space research and innovation in the ME and beyond. UAE is also actively participating in space research, with the aim to become a world-class space tech & research hub
UAE’s inclination towards space diplomacy is highlighted by its participation in the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space and their keen interest in contributing to develop international space law.
In recent years, UAE has established relationship with several nations and international organisations like Japan, NASA, ESA, China, India and Israel. They have signed MoUs with the US Strategic Command, UK, China and the National Space Science and Technology, as reported by The Jerusalem Post.
UAE is building a world class space innovation hub in Abu Dhabi with Chinese collaboration and they have doubled the size of their astronaut corps, including the selection of the first Arab female astronaut.
In March this year, Chinese startup Origin Space, the United Arab Emirates University’s National Space Science and Technology Centre and the University of Hong Kong’s Laboratory for Space Research signed a letter of intent in Abu Dhabi to build a joint research and development centre in the city.
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ADIO nurtures startups
A lot of Indian startups are partnering with Emirati companies post the Abu Dhabi Space Dialogue held in November last year. Last month, Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), the government entity was encouraging Indian startups to partner with them and set up bases in the region to help them grow and expand the local economy.
“We support companies through our Investor Care services, assisting investors with information on data, networks, licensing, real estate, visas, banking and more. We connect investors with relevant stakeholders in Abu Dhabi’s innovation ecosystem, bringing together the right partnerships to help them grow and expand in the emirate,” said Abdulla Abdul Aziz AlShamsi, Acting Director General of ADIO.
According to news reports, ADIO has supported over 50 companies across US, Europe and Asia through its ‘Innovation Programme’, which is worth $545million.
In order to attract more investors and companies, in 2022 ADIO has set eight new offices in Tel Aviv, New York, San Francisco, Frankfurt, London, Paris, Beijing and Seoul, thus firming its roots globally.
