$1 billion satellite network planned by an Abu Dhabi-based space company

Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) and Orbitworks are collaborating for the advancement of digital services and research capability

Orbitworks, an Abu Dhabi-based space technology company, has provided an ambitious plan to invest $1 billion in expanding and building a large-scale satellite network over the next five years. The move comes shortly after securing its first contract with a European government, as mentioned by its chief executive, Semafor.

The space technology company, affiliated with Abu Dhabi’s national security adviser Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed’s International Holding Company (IHC), is set to launch its first satellite in October. The company is expanding its artificial intelligence-powered Earth observation constellation by launching nine more satellites in the upcoming years.

CEO Hamdullah Mohib has confirmed plans to launch another 40 satellites within the next five years.

According to the sources, Orbitworks has recently signed an important agreement with the French space agency to manufacture and launch satellites. This deal is expected to solidify the UAE’s goal as one of the world’s top 10 largest space economies.

The company has already poured approximately $200 million into a world-class manufacturing facility in Abu Dhabi. Presently, the facility has the capacity to produce 10 satellites annually and has a long-term goal to expand production to as many as 50 per year.

CEO Mohib said that there were many doubts regarding this at the beginning, as people were not very convinced that the Middle East was a high-tech manufacturing region, but we are now able to leverage our capabilities as we compete on global platforms.

He added that we already have customers in the UAE, and this agreement with the French government just adds to our credibility.

Goals and vision of Orbitworks :

Orbitworks was established in 2024 as a joint venture combining international expertise from San Francisco-based Loft Orbital and financial and regional strength from Abu Dhabi’s Marlan Space, which is affiliated with International Holding Company (IHC) and part of Orbitworks’ ownership.

Marlan Space is backed by Royal Group, the private office of Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who chairs both ADIA (Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund) and IHC.

Orbitworks is the first Middle Eastern private space infrastructure company to focus on assembling, integrating and testing a commercial low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation. Their facility is located in Khalifa Economic Zones, Abu Dhabi (KEZAD).

Mohib explained why the company partnered with US companies and not with Chinese suppliers, it is because the latter would limit our ability to further sell to US, European, or other Chinese customers, and we want to build a globally competitive company.

Altair satellite constellation is set to redefine Earth Observation through AI and Space Technology.

Altair is launched by Orbitworks as its first satellite constellation. It consists of ten multi-sensor, AI-powered Earth observation satellites. The constellation will introduce onboard edge computing to allow satellites to enhance in-orbit data processing and ensure continuous awareness and faster decision-making. 

The Altair satellite constellation will monitor deforestation, climate patterns, and disaster response using space-based sensors combined with artificial intelligence.

Altair takes its name from the Arabic al-nisr al-ṭāʾir, meaning “the flying eagle”, symbolising vision, elevation, and a connection to the Arabian Peninsula’s exploration heritage.

Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) and Orbitworks’ agreement to expand ADFD’s digital services.

The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) has recently visited the Orbitworks’ facility to review progress on the implementation of the strategic agreement signed at the World Government Summit 2026. The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the World Government Summit by His Excellency Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of ADFD, and Dr Hamdullah Mohib, Chief Executive Officer of Orbitworks, with many senior officials present from both sides.

The agreement enables ADFD to harness advanced Earth Observation technologies to enhance monitoring and impact assessment of its global development projects, while expanding digital services and research capabilities across maritime ecosystems, mineral exploration, and environmental monitoring. It also positions ADFD as the first development fund worldwide to secure dedicated satellite capacity, providing real-time capabilities to track progress and measure impact across its international portfolio.

While commenting on this agreement, His Excellency Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi mentioned the strategic importance of the partnership with Orbitworks, in line with the UAE’s advanced efforts to reinforce its role as a globally connected hub for space technology innovation.

The initiative provides ADFD with access to the Altair satellite constellation, advancing space-enabled applications in development finance while reinforcing more efficient and transparent deployment of resources across global markets. The agreement also highlights the country’s thriving role in leveraging advanced technologies to strengthen sustainable development outcomes worldwide.

Dr. Yasser Al Wahedi, President of the Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy, said the collaboration with Orbitworks represents a significant step in ADMA’s efforts, driven by its research arm, Orbion Maritime Intelligence LLC, to shape the future of global trade.

Dr. Hamdullah Mohib, CEO of Orbitworks, is proud to deliver a fully integrated, UAE-assembled satellite solution that enables advanced intelligence across key sectors, supporting the development of more efficient, resilient, and sustainable digital services in Abu Dhabi and beyond