In recent years, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has solidified its position in the global space sector with remarkable achievements, including its first astronaut in space and the successful Mars orbiter mission. As countries worldwide pivot toward developing their own satellite networks amidst rising geopolitical tensions, a UAE-based company is set to revolutionize satellite manufacturing.
Advancements in Satellite Technology
Orbitworks, located in Abu Dhabi, is at the forefront of this transformation. The company is developing an innovative configuration of AI-driven satellites known as Altair, which will consist of ten satellites aimed at Earth observation. These units are designed for diverse applications, from military intelligence to environmental surveillance. Orbitworks is a collaboration between Abu Dhabi’s Marlan Space and Loft Orbital, based in San Francisco, and is gearing up to launch its inaugural satellite in October.
Satellites today are predominantly operated by companies like SpaceX, which alone manages about 69% of all active satellites in space. However, nations like Canada are planning their satellite networks to enhance national sovereignty, while the European Union also aims to establish a system comprising 290 satellites. Acknowledging the trend, Orbitworks is dedicated to fostering a sovereign space capability within the UAE.
A Revolutionary Business Model
Dr. Hamdullah Mohib, the CEO of Orbitworks, emphasizes that the increasing global focus on space assets is crucial for national security. He acknowledges, however, that not every country can afford to develop its satellite infrastructure independently. To address this challenge, Orbitworks will offer its services on a “constellation-as-a-service” basis. This will allow businesses, governments, and researchers to access its capabilities without the financial burden of ownership.
Traditional satellites usually transmit data back to Earth, where processing can take hours. In contrast, Orbitworks’ satellites leverage AI technology to process information on-site, delivering actionable insights almost instantly. Such capabilities are essential as competition intensifies, with other satellite manufacturers also integrating AI functionality to enhance efficiency.
Market Dynamics and Future Prospects
The global space economy was valued at $224 billion in 2024, primarily driven by satellite communications and Earth observation, according to a report by Boston Consulting Group. Within this landscape, the Middle East and Africa (MEA) market is estimated at $18 billion, with the UAE contributing approximately 40-45%. The UAE aims to double its space sector revenue and rank among the world’s top ten space economies by 2031, diversifying its economy away from dependency on oil.
Much of this momentum is attributed to the UAE’s significant investments in space, which include the establishment of institutions dedicated to space exploration and regulations to govern commercial space activities. This investment has also catalyzed the emergence of private sector ventures like Orbitworks, hailed as the “Middle East’s first private space infrastructure company.”
Through collaborations and NATO partnerships, the UAE is transitioning from a consumer of space services to a provider. Upcoming missions, such as an ambitious journey to the asteroid belt set for 2028, highlight this shift. Moreover, ongoing discussions with potential clients reveal a keen interest in leveraging Orbitworks’ satellite manufacturing capabilities.
As a testament to its rising profile, Orbitworks has garnered interest from various established entities, including the Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy and the French Space Agency. Such partnerships reflect a growing acknowledgment of the UAE’s capabilities in satellite services, marking a significant shift in the region’s space narrative. With plans for expansion, Orbitworks represents a promising chapter in the UAE’s quest for sovereign space capability and technological innovation.