By Chaitali Bag
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) continues to solidify its position as a global leader in space innovation and development, propelled by strategic partnerships and cutting-edge initiatives. The latest milestone in this progression is the collaboration between EDGE Group’s space-focused entity, FADA, and Singapore-based ST Engineering. This partnership aims to enhance sovereign synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite capabilities under the UAE Space Agency’s distinguished Sirb Programme. The agreement symbolizes a significant leap forward for the nation’s national space expertise and underscores the UAE’s dedication to fostering a thriving, competitive space sector.
Signed on February 19, 2025, the Letter of Intent (LOI) formalized the collaboration between EDGE and ST Engineering during a notable ceremony attended by prominent officials, including His Excellency Eng. Salem Butti Salem Al Qubaisi, Director-General of the UAE Space Agency, and other leading figures from both entities. EDGE, as the prime contractor of the Sirb Programme, will work in close coordination with ST Engineering to achieve critical advancements in the UAE’s SAR satellite capabilities, furthering the nation’s ability to conduct high-resolution Earth observation in dynamic, all-weather conditions. The Sirb Programme, a flagship initiative led by the UAE Space Agency, is focused on building advanced radar-based Earth Observation satellites that contribute crucially to scientific research, environmental monitoring, and national security efforts.
The collaboration exemplifies the UAE Space Agency’s strategy of empowering the private sector while expanding international cooperation. “The enablement of the private sector is fundamental to our efforts in executing the Sirb Programme and cultivating a dynamic, competitive commercial space industry,” said His Excellency Eng. Salem Butti Al Qubaisi, Director-General of the UAE Space Agency. By fostering a collaborative ecosystem involving local industries and international partners, the UAE positions itself as a global leader in the space domain and ensures the sustainability of its national space sector.
A Catalyst for Innovation and Technological Leadership
EDGE, through its Space and Cyber Technologies Cluster, plays a critical role in advancing sovereign UAE space capabilities. Waleid Al Mesmari, President of EDGE’s Space and Cyber Technologies division, emphasized the relevance of this partnership to the UAE’s broader goals: “As the Prime Contractor for the UAE’s Sirb Programme, EDGE is committed to advancing sovereign space capabilities in alignment with the UAE’s National Space Strategy.” The partnership with ST Engineering elevates the programme’s momentum while fostering a self-sustaining space sector that fuels national innovation pathways.
ST Engineering, already renowned for its expertise in satellite systems, brings proven capabilities to the table. Their success with satellite systems such as TeLEOS-1 and TeLEOS-2 demonstrates their ability to deliver reliable optical and radar-based satellite solutions. Low Jin Phang, President of Digital Systems at ST Engineering, reiterated this confidence: “This partnership is a testament to our capabilities in satellite systems.” Under the Sirb Programme collaboration, ST Engineering will provide a single-polarisation SAR satellite, develop the supporting ground segment, and transfer critical technical expertise to EDGE. This combination of technological development and knowledge transfer places the UAE in a strong position to establish long-term technical self-reliance in the burgeoning space sector.
Empowering the Future of UAE’s Space Sector
The partnership is not confined to the technical development of state-of-the-art SAR satellites. It reflects a broader vision to cultivate the UAE’s space industry into a global hub of advanced innovation—one that supports national aspirations and provides pathways for the next generation of skilled Emirati professionals. Since its inception in 2019, EDGE has consistently demonstrated its commitment to disruptive, agile solutions across defence, space, and beyond. This collaboration with ST Engineering further underscores its dedication to advancing industry standards and contributing to the UAE’s role as a global leader in space technology.
The UAE’s investment in SAR technology, which enables all-weather, high-resolution imaging, is a forward-looking approach to addressing global and regional challenges. Applications range from environmental monitoring and disaster management to strategic planning and national defense. With this collaboration, EDGE and ST Engineering are set to unlock new possibilities in autonomous space systems and high-resolution satellite imaging, helping the UAE address contemporary challenges while envisioning future opportunities.
Fostering Collaboration and Global Expertise
This partnership shines a spotlight on the significance of international collaboration in space exploration and development. By appointing ST Engineering as the Strategic International Partner, the UAE ensures the integration of global expertise and advanced solutions into its national projects. More importantly, this collaboration brings valuable benefits to the UAE space sector, including knowledge transfer, industry capacity building, and the development of sovereign Emirati space capabilities. As these partnerships mature, they hold the promise of positioning the UAE as a leader in the SAR satellite domain and reinforcing its standing as a space innovation powerhouse.
The UAE’s National Space Strategy, supported by forward-thinking initiatives like the Sirb Programme, reflects the country’s long-term vision of establishing itself as a global influencer in the rapidly evolving space sector. The EDGE-ST Engineering partnership sends a compelling message about the UAE’s aspirations: not only to participate in space exploration but to lead it by combining forward-looking policy, industrial enablement, and international collaboration.
As the world witnesses this new chapter in the UAE’s space journey, the nation’s dedication to innovation, sustainability, and industry competitiveness becomes ever more apparent. Collaborations like these do not merely advance technological capabilities; they also exemplify how strategic partnerships can shape the future of industries and redefine national aspirations on the global stage. The EDGE-ST Engineering partnership is not just a step forward for SAR technology; it is a leap toward transforming the UAE into a global hub for space excellence.
