Space42 is the UAE’s new (as of 2024) “National Champion” for space technology, established from the merger of the country’s most significant tech entities: Bayanat (AI-powered geospatial intelligence) and Yahsat (satellite communications). It is based in Abu Dhabi and is listed on the ADX stock exchange,

Space42 is a vertically integrated “SpaceTech” powerhouse that combines satellite hardware with artificial intelligence.

It is the “eyes and ears” of the UAE in orbit. Its capabilities are split into two primary areas:

Satellite Communications (from Yahsat)

Space42 operates a fleet of geostationary (GEO) satellites that provide secure communications across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Asia.

The Fleet includes the Al Yah satellites (broadband and government comms) and the Thuraya fleet (mobile satellite handsets and data).

They are currently developing the two new Al Yah satellites (launching in 2027/28). These are software-defined satellites that can be reconfigured in space to change coverage and bandwidth on the fly.

In late 2025, they launched Equatys, a joint venture with Viasat to allow standard smartphones to connect directly to satellites—no special antenna required. Watch out ISAT!

Geospatial & Earth Observation (From Bayanat)

Here space data is used to solve Earth-based problems using AI.

They are building the UAE’s first sovereign Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite constellation.

Their platform, GIQ, will processes massive amounts of satellite data to provide “near real-time” insights for disaster response, maritime surveillance, and urban planning.