Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed, Hamdanbin Mohammed launch Sirb development phase

His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu
Dhabi and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, and H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin
Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai
Executive Council, have launched the development phase of the Sirb program, marking
a historic moment in the development of the country’s space sector, driven by the UAE’s
industrial sector.
Their Highnesses received a comprehensive overview of the project’s objectives and
the advanced technology slated for development in the satellite programme. They were
also briefed on the project’s milestones and the mechanisms for developing and
operating the satellites by a national industrial consortium under the supervision of the
UAE Space Agency.
The first satellite, which will be launched in 2026, will complement the UAE’s investment
in remote sensing technologies that serve different sectors using various satellite
images. Radar satellites are capable of capturing images, day or night, and irrespective
of atmospheric conditions. This groundbreaking project marks the pioneering
development of a constellation comprising three synthetic aperture radar (SAR)
satellites, utilising state-of-the-art imaging technology to achieve high-precision results
in all weather conditions.
The project aims to enhance the UAE’s efforts to find solutions to climate change
challenges and environmental sustainability, contribute to urban development, integrate
efforts to tackle natural disasters, and support food security challenges, by relying on
qualified national talent and UAE companies. It also aims to nurture partnerships with
global institutions and offer incentives, as an extension of the Space Economic Zones
project, to consolidate the UAE’s position as a global hub for talent, investment and
innovation.
H.H. Sheikh Khaled said, “We will enhance local expertise in the field of space to
support our ambitious vision for the UAE to become a global hub for manufacturing and
operating satellites. We are focusing on creating opportunities for national companies
and the private sector to be part of this significant journey, and to support the
development of the space sector’s infrastructure.”

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan said, “Sirb marks a strategic turning point in the UAE space
sector, transitioning from a governmental and academic sector to an integrated
governmental, private and academic sector that supports the development of
microtechnology and progresses the space sector’s industrial development.
Empowering start-ups, SMEs and entrepreneurs tops our priority list, as they are the
main drivers for economic growth.”
Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of State for Public Education and Advanced Technology and
Chairperson of UAE Space Agency, thanked Their Highnesses Sheikh Khaled and
Sheikh Hamdan for their continuous support and vision in the space sector, as well as
for supervising the launch of the development phase of the Sirb programme, led by the
industrial and the private sectors in the UAE, for the first time.
Al Amiri, said, “The launch of the development phase of Sirb is a milestone in our space
journey that embodies the UAE’s determination and persistence to lead the
comprehensive renaissance of the space sector in all its fields and sectors. Today, we
chart a course aligned with the UAE’s unwavering commitment and tenacity in
advancing the space sector and ensuring its prosperity and sustainability, with the
steadfast backing of our leadership.”
She added, “At the UAE Space Agency, we are committed to opening new horizons for
local industry, developing Emirati talent, and supporting national companies to ensure
their contribution to the comprehensive development renaissance and building a
prosperous future for the UAE.”
EDGE assumes the role of a strategic partner to manage the programme with an added
focus on the Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) payload development. Yahsat and
Bayanat will both manage satellite operations and data, while NSSTC will contribute by
providing assembly, integration, and testing (AIT) operations.
The consortium will continue to expand its collaboration with other industry players,
SMEs and startups to further enhance the collective expertise and capabilities of the
programme and support the growth of the space private sector.
EDGE will also work on the development of strategic alliances for technology transfer,
knowledge exchange, and expertise development in satellite systems, amplifying the
UAE’s sovereign capabilities in crucial space domains, particularly SAR payloads.
This space programme will strengthen the UAE’s position as a regional and global
leader in space, while also driving economic growth and technological innovation.
Central to the Sirb programme is the commercialisation of the satellites, and the data
they generate, on both national and international fronts. These highly accurate space
radar satellites will support a wide range of scientific and commercial applications, from
monitoring environmental changes to natural disaster management and mapping.