Two Abu Dhabi companies have agreed to merge in a landmark deal that will create “Space42,” one of the world’s most valuable listed space-tech companies.

Bayanat, a geospatial data provider, and Al Yah Satellite Communications — known as Yahsat — will have a market capitalization of $4.08 billion.

“This merger will unite two leading home-grown companies to create the Mena region’s first AI-powered space technology company,” explained Tareq Al Hosani, chairman of Bayanat.

“Together, we will leverage our key synergies to reinforce our position as a key engine of growth and strategic solutions provider to the UAE government and its agencies while expanding our reach to global customers,” he added.

The proposed merger will be realized through a share swap, with Bayanat remaining a legal entity. The shareholders of Bayanat and Yahsat will own 54% and 46%, respectively, of the newly created company.

“The merger is a compelling opportunity to amplify value creation for shareholders, utilizing synergies and strategic consolidation to create a technologically advanced champion […] The enlarged entity will benefit from accelerated growth potential as a player of scale with enhanced competitive advantage,” said Musabbeh Al Kaabi, chairman of Yahsat.

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The space sector is currently enjoying a massive surge of interest as competition hots up with more companies entering the arena. According to figures from the Space Foundation, the space economy grew by 8% to nearly $550 billion in 2022 and is projected to expand by at least another 40% over the next five years.

The UAE, currently the Arab world’s second-largest economy, has the region’s largest space sector in terms of investment size. Last year, the Emirates launched an $820 million fund to support its latest space program and a new initiative to develop high-tech radar satellites.