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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.
News
Google Launches Flow And Gemini Photo-To-Video In MENA
Creators in the Middle East and North Africa can now use Gemini to turn photos into short videos, and access Google’s new AI filmmaking tool, Flow.

Google has rolled out new AI-powered creative tools across the Middle East and North Africa, including a photo-to-video feature in Gemini and the regional launch of its AI filmmaking platform, Flow.
The photo-to-video tool is available to Gemini Advanced users on Pro and Ultra plans. It allows users to transform still images into animated, sound-enhanced video clips up to eight seconds long. To use the feature, users select “Videos” from the Gemini prompt menu, upload an image, and describe the desired animation and audio. The tool then generates a short video that can be shared or downloaded directly from the interface.
Designed to animate static moments, the feature supports a range of creative use cases — from bringing illustrations and paintings to life to adding movement to everyday scenes or natural landscapes.
Alongside this, Google is launching Flow: a more advanced platform for AI-assisted video creation. Built on Google’s Veo, Imagen, and Gemini models, Flow is designed for both professional filmmakers and beginners looking to build scenes, experiment with visuals, or explore new storytelling formats.
Flow includes tools such as:
- Camera Controls for setting motion paths, angles, and perspectives.
- Scenebuilder for extending or linking shots with smooth transitions and consistent subjects.
- Asset Management for organizing prompts and generated material.
Also Read: Getting Started With Google Gemini: A Beginner’s Guide
Flow is now accessible in Arabic and across MENA markets. Google reports over 40 million Veo 3 video generations have been made across Gemini and Flow in the past seven weeks alone. All content includes a visible AI watermark and an invisible SynthID marker to ensure traceability.
Both Flow and Gemini’s photo-to-video tools are available through Google’s subscription-based AI tiers.
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