UAE's Space42 and EDGE Group’s FADA Sign $103M Deal to Enhance Earth Observation Capabilities
UAE-based AI-powered SpaceTech firm Space42 has entered into a strategic collaboration agreement with FADA, an entity under EDGE Group, to advance the country's Earth Observation downstream capabilities. This partnership aims to deliver geospatial solutions to various government and commercial sectors by leveraging data from Space42’s Foresight Constellation, a fleet of Synthetic Aperture Radar satellites first launched in August 2024 and expanded in January 2025.
Over the coming years, Space42 and FADA will work closely with government end-users to further develop platform capabilities. Hasan Al Hosani, CEO of Bayanat Smart Solutions, a subsidiary of Space42, emphasized that the strategic partnership with FADA will enable Space42 to continue delivering premium geospatial insights that enhance national capabilities and operational efficiency. This collaboration is expected to significantly contribute to the UAE’s strategic objectives in data-driven decision-making.
Space42, established in 2024 through a merger between Bayanat and Yahsat, specializes in satellite communications, geospatial analytics, and artificial intelligence. The company operates two business units: Yahsat Space Services, which handles satellite operations, and Bayanat Smart Solutions, which integrates AI with geospatial data for enhanced decision-making. Major shareholders of Space42 include G42, Mubadala, and IHC.
In November, Space42 reported a substantial increase in profit attributable to shareholders for the first nine months of 2024, despite a significant decline in revenue. The company’s revenue dropped compared to the same period in 2023.
EDGE Group, launched in November 2019, focuses on disruptive solutions for defense and beyond, developing sovereign capabilities for global export and national security. Recently, EDGE announced a partnership with GM Defense to explore potential projects focused on light tactical vehicles for markets in the Middle East, Africa, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
In December, Space42 secured a long-term contract from the UAE government to provide critical and secure communication services for an extended period.
