EDGE, one of the world’s leading advanced technology and defence groups, has announced the launch of its new space company, ‘FADA’, a name derived from the Arabic word for space.

This development will boost the group’s global competitiveness, solidify its position as a leader in space capabilities, and add next-generation solutions to its rapidly-growing product portfolio.

EDGE is fully committed to advancing the UAE's strategic interests in defence and advanced technology, and FADA’s mission is to develop sovereign space capabilities and homegrown technologies in the UAE.

By leveraging national and international partnerships and fostering vital synergies through the Transfer of Technology (ToT) and Transfer of Knowledge (ToK), FADA aims to build a self-reliant sovereign space sector that can support national and commercial requirements, ensuring the UAE remains at the cutting edge of space innovation and technology.

FADA will also significantly contribute to the UAE's transition to a knowledge-based economy and its broader economic diversification goals.

Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, EDGE Group, said, “The launch of FADA will enable EDGE to grow and fortify its position in the global space industry in line with the UAE’s vision of becoming a leader in space technologies, creating the blueprint for a self-sufficient and innovative ecosystem.

This landmark development also adds next-generation solutions to our product portfolio, representing a strategic leap towards technological excellence and signaling our broader ambitions to be a disruptor in this critical domain.”

As a critical component of EDGE’s strategic vision, FADA will establish state-of-the-art facilities for the development, manufacturing, assembly, integration, and testing of various satellite systems and subsystems, serving as a one-stop shop for all space-related activities and providing end-to-end solutions and services to local and international customers, including: Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), Optical (EO) and Infrared (IR) payloads, as well as satellite platforms, and satellite cybersecurity and protection services in addition to other space activities.

Waleid Al Mesmari, President, Space & Cyber Technologies, EDGE, said, “With the launch of FADA, EDGE reinforces its commitment to pioneering advanced technologies and forging local and global partnerships to establish next-generation facilities for the development of satellite systems, while building a sustainable and skilled space-focused workforce.

We are pleased to drive this forward-thinking initiative which not only enhances our national capabilities and drives us positively towards a knowledge-based economy, but also sets a new benchmark in the global space landscape.”

The announcement follows EDGE’s selection in November 2023 as the prime contractor in a strategic partnership agreement with the UAE Space Agency to implement the ‘Sirb’ (Arabic for flock) programme, a constellation of three fully IP owned synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites, marking one of EDGE’s first ventures in the space domain.

Sirb aims to launch the first satellite, Sirb-1, by 2026 and is the first national space capability-building programme to be implemented by a local industrial consortium led by key players in the UAE’s private space sector and national centres, with a planned expansion of collaboration with other industry players, SMEs, and start-ups to further boost the expertise and capabilities of the programme.