The Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre is participating in the fourth edition of the “Made in the UAE 2025” exhibition, showcasing the “Mohammed bin Zayed SAT” satellite as an exemplary model of space manufacturing focused on innovation and national partnerships.
At the exhibition, the centre displays a full-scale qualification model of the “Mohammed bin Zayed SAT” satellite, along with various components developed locally in collaboration with national partners. These include the main structure, a honeycomb aluminum panel, a platform for the stabilizer wheel, an electronics box, and a wiring harness. The booth also features a model of the Rashid Rover, symbolizing the UAE’s contribution to lunar exploration and the enhancement of the global space economy.
According to His Excellency Salem Hamid Al Marri, Director General of the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, the centre takes pride in its local partnerships that have contributed to the development of advanced components for the “Mohammed bin Zayed SAT” satellite, created to meet the highest international standards. This serves as a benchmark for collaboration among national entities to accelerate advanced manufacturing and reinforce the UAE’s leadership in the space sector.
He further stated that the centre’s participation in the exhibition underscores its commitment to supporting the national vision for a sustainable knowledge-based economy driven by innovation and advanced technology. The “Mohammed bin Zayed SAT” has been entirely developed by Emirati hands, with approximately 90% of its mechanical components and electronic systems manufactured within the country, in conjunction with leading national companies such as Strata, Falcons, Halcon, EPI, Emirates Global Aluminum, and Rockford Zileryx. This initiative reflects the competitiveness of the UAE’s private sector in the space industry and has contributed to the creation of new economic opportunities, as well as the transfer of knowledge and technical expertise to foster a sustainable and innovative national space ecosystem, aligning with the UAE’s vision for a diversified knowledge-based economy. Companies EPI and Halcon, which are part of the EDGE Group, played pivotal roles in developing and assembling the vital components of the satellite, focusing on precise manufacturing for EPI and assembling electronic panels for Halcon.
Dr. Mohammed Al Ahbabi, Senior Advisor for Cyber Technologies and Space at EDGE Group, expressed pride in the group’s crucial role in supporting the UAE’s national space missions, from the Hope Probe to the “Mohammed bin Zayed SAT,” highlighting the advanced state of national industries and EDGE’s commitment to fostering innovation and enhancing the UAE’s standing in the space sector.
Ismail Ali Abdullah, Executive Director of Strategic Units at the Investment Sector of Mubadala and Managing Director of Strata, noted that the company’s contribution to manufacturing components of the satellite exemplifies exceptional support for the Made in the UAE initiative and reinforces the vision for localizing advanced manufacturing, especially in the aerospace sector. He mentioned that Strata has produced high-quality mechanical parts and aluminum panels for the satellite, capable of withstanding harsh space conditions. This partnership underscores the centre’s confidence in national capabilities, as Emirates Global Aluminum supplied Celestial Aluminum, the world’s first aluminum produced using solar energy, used in essential components of the satellite.
Abdul Nasser bin Kalban, CEO of Emirates Global Aluminum, stated that the use of Celestial Aluminum in the “Mohammed bin Zayed SAT” highlights the role of sustainable innovation in shaping the future of the space sector, with Falcon also contributing to the mechanical framework development of the satellite using advanced materials.
Prabhakar Badrinath, CEO of Falcon Group, expressed pride in the partnership with the centre to develop precise mechanical components that meet stringent space standards.
Rockford Zileryx played a vital role in developing embedded systems and wiring solutions. Its founder and CEO, Nauman Arshad, noted that the company managed all wiring tasks in collaboration with the centre, affirming that this mission represents a significant step in enhancing the UAE’s status in the space industry. The centre’s participation in “Made in the UAE 2025” reflects its commitment to contributing to national objectives of building a competitive, diversified economy based on innovation. The “Mohammed bin Zayed SAT” mission has stimulated local manufacturing efforts, promoted self-sufficiency, and established the UAE as a leading hub for space industries in the region.