Abu Dhabi: The UAE Space Agency has been awarded the ‘Future Fit’ Seal for its flagship Space Data Centre, an initiative that is transforming digital infrastructure to support the UAE’s space goals.
According to Emirates News Agency, this recognition is granted by the UAE Government Development and the Future Office to federal and local government projects that showcase exceptional readiness in navigating future challenges and opportunities.
The Space Data Centre, developed in collaboration with Space42, a UAE-based AI-powered SpaceTech company, plays a critical role in accelerating digital transformation. It provides commercial space services supported by artificial intelligence, offering advanced services such as access to Earth observation data, AI-powered analytics, and a marketplace for space applications. The centre hosts 47 AI models used for essential tasks like environmental change detection, ship tracking, and disaster management.
An integrated infrastructure connects the centre to a global network of over 300 Earth observation satellites, contributing to more than 30 national and international space missions. Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi, Minister of State for Government Development and the Future, emphasized the UAE’s commitment to digital transformation and technological innovation, highlighting the Space Data Centre’s role in shaping a sustainable society.
Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sport and Chairman of the UAE Space Agency, described the centre as a strategic milestone in developing a space economy, providing centralized access to space data for various stakeholders. The centre supports the UAE’s innovative ecosystem by promoting scientific research and developing space-based applications addressing challenges like climate change and food security.
Since its 2022 launch, the Space Data Centre has delivered over 30 success stories supporting decision-making in crucial sectors. It has enhanced emergency response during earthquakes in Turkey and Morocco, developed an early warning system for coral reefs in the Maldives, and created the “Nabat” application to improve food security through AI analysis of local farms.
The centre is a key player in international disaster relief efforts and supports the International Charter on Space and Major Disasters, where the UAE remains the only Arab member state. It serves as a cornerstone for developing national capabilities in remote sensing, enhancing the UAE’s role in addressing global disasters.
Designed with the future in mind, the centre’s architecture integrates data from multiple sources efficiently, employing AI-driven predictive analytics and real-time data analysis. This enables rapid response to crises and disasters. The centre promotes digital sustainability through an open ecosystem and moves toward intelligent automation in space data management.
The global space data economy’s rapid expansion underscores the centre’s importance, projected to generate significant added value by 2030. The UAE Space Agency is driving key satellite programs, including the Arab Satellite 813 and the ‘Sirb’ radar satellite constellation, enhancing the centre’s capabilities.
The centre also houses datasets from the Emirates Mars Mission, known as the Hope Probe, contributing to the expansion of its coverage and quality enhancement of its outputs.
