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 a state-of-the-art model for innovative space manufacturing and national partnerships.
The centre is displaying a full-scale qualification model of the “Mohammed bin Zayed Sat” satellite, along with various locally developed components in collaboration with national partners. These components include the primary structure, aluminum honeycomb panel, balancing wheel base, electronic box, and wiring bundle. Additionally, the booth features a model of the Rashid Rover, highlighting the UAE’s contributions to lunar exploration and the advancement of the global space economy.
According to Saeed Hamid Al Marri, Director General of the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, they take pride in the local partnerships that contributed to the development of advanced components for the “Mohammed bin Zayed Sat,” adhering to the highest global standards. This serves as a benchmark for collaboration among national entities to expedite advanced manufacturing and bolster the UAE’s leadership in the space sector.
He added that the centre’s participation in the exhibition reaffirms its commitment to supporting the national vision aimed at a sustainable knowledge-based economy founded on innovation and advanced technology. The “Mohammed bin Zayed Sat” satellite was entirely developed by Emirati hands, with about 90% of its mechanical components and electronic systems manufactured domestically. Key national companies such as Strata, Falcon, Halcon, EPI, Emirates Global Aluminium, and Rockford Zilairix played pivotal roles, showcasing the competitiveness of the UAE’s private sector in the space environment. The project has generated new economic opportunities and facilitated the transfer of knowledge and technical expertise, fostering a sustainable and innovative national space sector in line with the UAE’s vision to establish a diverse knowledge-based economy. Companies EPI and Halcon from the EDGE group were instrumental in the development and assembly of essential satellite components, with EPI focusing on precision manufacturing and Halcon on assembling electronic panels.
Dr. Mohammed Al Ahbabi, Senior Advisor for Cyber and Space Technologies at EDGE, expressed pride in the group’s significant role in supporting the UAE’s national space missions, from the Hope Probe to the “Mohammed bin Zayed Sat,” reflecting the advanced level of national industries and EDGE’s commitment to innovation and enhancing the UAE’s stature within the space sector.
Ismail Ali Abdullah, Executive Director of the Strategic Complexes Unit within the Investment Sector at Mubadala and Managing Director of Strata, confirmed that the company’s contribution to manufacturing components and parts for the satellite is a remarkable support for the “Made in the UAE” initiative and reinforces the vision for localizing advanced industries, particularly in the aerospace and space sectors. Strata produced high-quality mechanical parts and aluminum panels capable of withstanding the harsh conditions of space. He highlighted that this partnership embodies the centre’s confidence in local talent, with Emirates Global Aluminium supplying Celestial Aluminum, the world’s first aluminum produced using solar energy, utilized in critical parts of the satellite.
Abdul Nasser Bin Kalban, CEO of Emirates Global Aluminium, noted that the use of Celestial Aluminum in the “Mohammed bin Zayed Sat” underscores the role of sustainable innovation in shaping the future of the space sector. Falcon also contributed to developing the satellite’s mechanical structure using advanced materials.
Prabhupadrenan, CEO of Falcon Group, expressed pride in their collaboration with the centre to develop precision mechanical components that meet strict space standards.
Rockford Zilairix played a crucial role in developing integrated systems and wiring solutions. Its founder and CEO, Nauman Arshad, stated that the company managed all wiring tasks in collaboration with the centre, confirming that this mission is a significant step in enhancing the UAE’s position within the space sector. The centre’s participation in “Made in the UAE 2025” represents its commitment to contributing to national goals toward building a competitive, diverse economy based on innovation. The “Mohammed bin Zayed Sat” mission has stimulated local manufacturing, enhanced self-sufficiency, and solidified the UAE’s position as a leading hub for space industries in the region.