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Tech Firms Form Partnership To Boost UAE’s Space Program
The team of companies aims to enhance the nation’s space tech and exploration potential using remote sensing and Earth Observation (EO) capabilities.
A leading AI-powered geospatial tech company called Bayanat has teamed up with fellow UAE firm and satellite solutions provider Yahsat on a new space program.
The pair will be joined by ICEYE, a well-known Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) producer from Finland, to build cutting-edge remote satellite sensing and Earth Observation (EO) technologies.
Synthetic Aperture Radar technology allows active sensing of the Earth’s surface, and produces high-resolution images that aren’t affected by weather conditions or the sun’s output. In addition, unlike regular imaging satellites, SAR-equipped solutions can capture images both night and day. ICEYE’s SAR satellites offer broad coverage and higher-resolution images than most, providing valuable insights for various applications.
Meanwhile, the Bayanat and Yahsat role in the space program will be to develop a constellation of around five SAR low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. The constellation will enable stable data streams for end-to-end SAR applications and provide a wide range of geospatial insights. Between Yahsat’s advanced satellite infrastructure and Bayanat’s data analytics and AI capabilities, the program represents a significant advancement in the UAE’s journey toward building a comprehensive space ecosystem.
Aside from developing remote sensing capabilities, the program also aims to improve in-country satellite manufacturing expertise and enhance the UAE’s space exploration capabilities.
Also Read: Qatar’s Capital Aims To Become A Regional Technology Hub
Hasan Al Hosani, CEO of Bayanat, said, “The partnership between Bayanat and Iceye, in collaboration with Yahsat, will drive the development of a sovereign EO ecosystem, whilst contributing to skill development, scientific advancements, and sustained economic growth.” Meanwhile, Ali Al Hashemi, Group CEO of Yahsat, stated, “As part of Yahsat’s active role in empowering the space economy sector in line with the UAE’s Space Strategy 2030, we are pleased to collaborate […] on this ambitious program [to] strengthen the UAE’s leadership in the space sector in the MENA region”.
The new program follows hot on the heels of UAE astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi, who became the first Arab to perform a spacewalk from the International Space Station (ISS). The historic event lasted for 7.01 hours in the cold vacuum of space, accomplishing key objectives to maintain cabling and insulation on the station’s starboard truss.
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PayPal & TerraPay Join Forces For Cross-Border MENA Payments
The collaboration will be especially helpful in regions where traditional banking infrastructure is limited or inconsistent.
PayPal has teamed up with TerraPay to improve cross-border payments across the Middle East and Africa. The move is designed to make it easier and faster for users to send and receive money internationally, especially in regions where traditional banking infrastructure can be limited or inconsistent.
The partnership connects PayPal’s digital payments ecosystem with TerraPay’s global money transfer network. The goal is to streamline real-time transfers between banks, mobile wallets, and financial institutions, significantly improving access for millions of users looking to move money securely and efficiently.
Through the partnership, users will be able to link their PayPal accounts to local banks and mobile wallets using TerraPay’s platform. This means faster transactions and fewer barriers for individuals and businesses across the region.
“The Middle East and Africa are at the forefront of the digital transformation, yet financial barriers still limit growth for many,” said Otto Williams, Senior Vice President, Regional Head and General Manager, Middle East and Africa at PayPal. “At PayPal, we’re committed to changing that […] Together, we’re helping unlock economic opportunity and build a more connected, inclusive financial future”.
For TerraPay, the deal is a chance to scale its reach while reinforcing its mission of frictionless digital transactions.
“Our mission at TerraPay is to create a world where digital transactions are effortless, secure, and accessible to all,” said Ani Sane, Co-Founder and Chief Business Officer at TerraPay. He added that the partnership is a major milestone for enhancing financial access in the Middle East and Africa, helping businesses grow and users move funds with fewer limitations.
Also Read: A Guide To Digital Payment Methods In The Middle East
The integration also aims to support financial inclusion in a region where access to global banking tools is still uneven. With interoperability at the core, TerraPay can bridge the gap between different financial systems — whether that’s a mobile wallet or a traditional bank — making it easier to send money, pay for services, or grow a business across borders.
As the demand for cross-border payment options continues to rise, both PayPal and TerraPay are doubling down on their commitment to provide reliable, secure, and forward-looking financial tools for the region.
PayPal & TerraPay Join Forces For Cross-Border MENA Payments
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