This milestone marks the beginning of a new era for joint Arab space initiatives.
The UAE announced the successful launch of Arab Satellite 813, a strategic milestone that ushers in a new era of joint Arab space initiatives.
Arab Satellite 813 aims to advance regional space capabilities by developing the skills of young Arab engineers and scientists, strengthening collaboration among the Arab Space Cooperation Group countries, and supporting sustainable development through advanced Earth observation technologies. The satellite also contributes to building regional expertise in assembling and testing microsatellites, reinforcing the Arab region’s space infrastructure. The project contributed to attracting and training 10 Arab engineers and researchers
Arab Satellite 813 is the first Arab satellite with hyperspectral imaging technology, providing unprecedented capabilities for studying environmental and climatic systems and monitoring changes on Earth's surface through three integrated technologies: Hyperspectral Imaging (HSI), a Panchromatic Camera (PAN), and an Atmospheric Polarimeter (AP). Arab Satellite 813 will provide member states of the Arab Space Cooperation Group with access to open data to develop tailored solutions that address their environmental and climate priorities. The satellite will also support the creation of a unified database for Arab environmental and development policies, while reducing reliance on costly ground-based measurements.
The satellite will also enhance understanding of climate change and support the development of practical, space-based solutions—powered by artificial intelligence models and analytical applications—to serve vital sectors across Arab countries. In addition, it contributes to the achievement of 10 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
His Excellency Salem Butti Al Qubaisi, Director-General of UAE Space Agency, said: “Arab Satellite 813 is the first Arab space project dedicated to Earth observation and the study of environmental and climatic systems. It serves as a unified platform to enhance scientific cooperation, knowledge exchange, and support sustainable development.”
Al Qubaisi added: “The satellite provides high-resolution data on water, soil, and vegetation, processed with artificial intelligence to support rapid and efficient environmental decision-making. It enables monitoring of coastal pollution, forest health, and agriculture to bolster Arab food security. It also acts as an incubator for developing Arab talent in space science, and provides open data to member states, strengthening the region’s research infrastructure and positioning it as a significant global contributor.”
H.E. Professor Dr. Ahmed Ali Al Raisi, Vice Chancellor of United Arab Emirates University, stated:
“The successful launch of the Arab 813 satellite marks a historic milestone for the Arab world and reflects the UAE’s vision in supporting joint projects that empower young Arab talent and build globally competitive research capabilities.”
He emphasized that UAE University, as one of the region’s leading research institutions, is proud to be part of this national and scientific achievement, which strengthens its global presence in the fields of innovation and space. He added that the University will continue to forge strategic partnerships that help develop innovative solutions to environmental and climate challenges, in support of sustainable development goals.
Mr. Ali Al Shehhi, Director of the National Space Science and Technology Center said: "The launch of the Arab Satellite 813 is a milestone of great pride for all of us, and a clear message that investing in science and national talent can create a unified Arab impact in space. This mission reflects the UAE’s vision to empower local capabilities and build a world-class space infrastructure. We believe that 813 will stand as a model of meaningful Arab collaboration, proving that shared ambition can turn ideas into lasting achievements."
Dr. Maged Ismail, CEO of the Egyptian Space Agency and current Chair of the Arab Space Cooperation Group, affirmed that the launch of the Arab Satellite 813 represents a landmark in the trajectory of joint space efforts. He highlighted that the project demonstrates the integration of Arab capabilities in space science and technology and their application in support of sustainable development goals.
Ismail added that this achievement reflects the strength of Arab cooperation and the benefits of unifying expertise and resources, marking the first step toward a new phase of joint Arab space projects dedicated to building advanced scientific and technological capacities.
His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Al-Asiri, CEO of Bahrain Space Agency, emphasised that the launch of the Arab Satellite 813 marks a historic milestone embodying the Arab region’s aspiration to build a future founded on knowledge and innovation. He noted that the project reflects the region’s ability to move from symbolic participation to genuine scientific contribution in the space sector.
Al-Asiri continued: “This project offers an advanced model of joint Arab action and symbolises a new era in which the Arab nation reclaims its role in the progress of human civilisation through initiatives that transcend borders and lay solid foundations for scientific and technological integration.”
Dr. Ghaleb Faour, Director of the National Center for Remote Sensing in Lebanon, described the launch of the first joint Arab satellite as a moment of pride and a testament to constructive cooperation among the Arab Space Cooperation Group countries. He noted that it is a foundational step toward establishing an Arab Space Agency and praised the pioneering role of the UAE and the UAE Space Agency in realising this achievement.
Dr. Saoud Al Shoaili, Director-General of Policies and Governance and Head of the National Space Program in the Sultanate of Oman, stated that this historic accomplishment demonstrates the success of Arab cooperation in space science and technology, and reflects a shared ambition to leverage space for sustainable development. He stressed that the satellite’s launch is a pivotal milestone that opens the door for knowledge exchange and the development of scientific and technological partnerships that will strengthen the Arab region’s role in space exploration and in crafting innovative solutions to environmental and developmental challenges.
Dr. Rafiq Akram, current Chair of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space and Director of the Royal Centre for Space Sensing in Morocco, affirmed that the launch of Arab Satellite 813 represents a historic achievement stemming from a strategic vision and meticulous joint Arab efforts. He added that it lays the foundation for a broad space cooperation framework among Arab states, and expressed gratitude to the UAE and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for this project.
Brigadier General Engineer Muammar Haddadin, Director-General of the Royal Jordanian Geographic Center, described the satellite’s launch as a pioneering Arab accomplishment that illustrates the depth of scientific cooperation within the Arab Space Cooperation Group, under the UAE’s leadership. He stressed that the project embodies a shared vision for building a knowledge-based economy rooted in space science. and represents a strategic step that bolsters the region’s position in the global scientific community.
Dr. Hala Khaled Al-Jassar, representative of the Kuwait National Center for Space Research and Acting Head of the Department of Physics at Kuwait University, noted that the launch marks a historic moment that reflects profound cooperation and integration among Arab countries in space and sustainable development. She emphasised that this pioneering initiative aligns with shared Arab ambitions to leverage space science for vital applications, including agriculture, water management, pollution monitoring, combating desertification, and addressing climate and environmental applications.