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UAE Launches First Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Satellite

Etihad-SAT can detect oil spills, aid in disaster management, maritime navigation, smart agriculture, and environmental monitoring.

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uae launches first synthetic aperture radar (sar) satellite
Dubai Media Office

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) successfully launched its first Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite, Etihad-SAT, on March 15th, 2025.

In a major milestone for the UAE’s growing space program, the satellite took off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, USA, aboard a Falcon 9 rocket at 10:43 AM (UAE time). The first signal from Etihad-SAT was received by MBRSC’s ground station in Dubai at 12:04 PM (UAE time), confirming the mission’s success.

Etihad-SAT is the first satellite developed under MBRSC’s Satellite Development Program. Equipped with SAR imaging technology, it can capture high-resolution images in all weather conditions, day or night. The satellite offers three modes of imaging: spot mode for detailed images of small areas, scan mode for wider coverage of large regions, and strip mode for extended observation over longer distances.

This versatility makes Etihad-SAT a powerful imaging tool for a range of applications, from detecting oil spills to aiding in natural disaster management, maritime navigation, smart agriculture, and environmental monitoring. The data gathered will be processed using AI, ensuring faster and more accurate results for these applications.

uae synthetic aperture radar (sar) satellite

Developed in collaboration with South Korea’s Satrec Initiative, Etihad-SAT is a result of months of work from MBRSC’s engineers. The team played a key role in defining the satellite’s technical specifications, conducting design and validation phases, and ensuring compliance with international standards. As part of MBRSC’s strategy, the project involved a significant focus on knowledge transfer and technology localization, ensuring that the UAE gains expertise to support future advancements in space technology.

H.E. Talal Humaid Belhoul Al Falasi, Vice President of MBRSC, commented: “The UAE is advancing steadily to become a global leader in space science and technology. This achievement, with the launch of Etihad-SAT, strengthens our Earth observation capabilities and provides valuable data for sustainable development. It also opens the door for new space technologies that will benefit the nation”.

Also Read: Space42 & Cobham Satcom Launch New Satellite Broadband Terminal

Satrec Initiative’s CEO, Ee-Eul Kim, shared his congratulations, stating: “The success of Etihad-SAT marks a significant achievement for the UAE. Our partnership with MBRSC in developing this high-resolution SAR satellite demonstrates the power of international collaboration. We are excited to continue our work together to shape the future of space technology”.

Etihad-SAT will be operated from MBRSC’s Mission Control Centre, where specialized teams will manage the satellite’s operations and analyze the data it sends back. The new capability enhances the UAE’s ability to monitor the planet more effectively, further cementing the country’s commitment to cutting-edge space technologies.

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Ripple Gains DFSA License To Offer Crypto Payments In Dubai

The company is now the first blockchain-powered payments provider licensed by the Dubai Financial Services Authority.

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ripple gains dfsa license to offer crypto payments in dubai
Dubai Media Office

Digital asset infrastructure provider Ripple has secured a license from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) to become the first regulated crypto payment services provider within the Dubai International Finance Center (DIFC).

This milestone marks Ripple’s debut regulatory approval in the Middle East. With the new license, businesses in the UAE can now access Ripple’s enterprise-focused payment solutions, further solidifying the company’s reputation as a reliable partner for financial institutions looking to harness the potential of digital assets for real-world applications.

“We are entering an unprecedented period of growth for the crypto industry, driven by greater regulatory clarity around the world and increasing institutional adoption,” said Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse. “Thanks to its early leadership in creating a supportive environment for tech and crypto innovation, the UAE is exceptionally well-placed to benefit”.

Ripple has witnessed growing interest across the Middle East from both crypto-native businesses and traditional financial institutions, all eager to address the challenges of conventional cross-border payments — namely high fees, slow transaction times, and limited transparency.

His Excellency Arif Amiri, CEO of DIFC Authority, commented, “We are thrilled that Ripple is deepening their commitment to Dubai by securing a DFSA license that makes them the first blockchain-enabled payments provider in DIFC. This milestone not only highlights our commitment to fostering innovation but also opens the door for Ripple to tap into new growth opportunities across the region and beyond”.

Also Read: Vernewell UK: Forging The Future Of Intelligence, Quantum, And AI

With roughly 20% of Ripple’s global customer base operating in the region, regulatory approval further positions the platform for accelerated growth in a market that’s already highly receptive to crypto adoption. In fact, more than 80% of finance leaders in the MEA region have expressed strong confidence in integrating blockchain technology into their operations.

“Dubai and the broader UAE have established themselves as leaders in fostering a progressive and well-defined regulatory framework for digital assets,” said Reece Merrick, Ripple’s Managing Director for the Middle East and Africa. “Securing this DFSA license is a major milestone that will enable us to better serve the growing demand for faster, cheaper, and more transparent cross-border transactions in one of the world’s largest cross-border payments hubs”.

Ripple’s DFSA license is the latest addition in a comprehensive list of worldwide regulatory approvals, joining the company’s Major Payments Institution license from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), a Trust Charter from the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS), a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) registration from the Central Bank of Ireland, and Money Transmitter Licenses (MTLs) across multiple U.S. states.

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