The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is demonstrating significant achievements in the space sector, including sending an astronaut into space and reaching Mars orbit with the Hope Probe. Amid growing geopolitical tensions and the global drive for nations to establish sovereign satellite networks, a UAE company is engaged in the mass production of commercial satellites.
[Orbitworks, based in Abu Dhabi, is developing AI-enabled satellites. These satellites will form an Earth observation constellation named Altair, which will be useful for various tasks—from military intelligence gathering to environmental monitoring. Orbitworks is a joint venture between Marlan Space from Abu Dhabi and Loft Orbital from San Francisco, and it plans to launch its first satellite in October.
According to the tracking website Orbital Radar, today about 69 percent of all active satellites belong to the US company SpaceX. Nevertheless, Canada plans to launch hundreds of new satellites to ensure its national sovereignty and reduce dependence on Washington, while the European Union is developing its own network of 290 satellites.
Orbitworks positions itself as an organization that facilitates the 'creation of sovereign space capability in the UAE.' Dr. Hamdulla Mohib, CEO of Orbitworks and Marlan Space, told CNN that there is increased interest from countries in having their own space assets. However, acknowledging that not everyone can afford such assets, Mohib stated that Altair will be offered under a 'constellation-as-a-service' model, allowing businesses, governments, and researchers to rent its capabilities.
Unlike traditional satellites, which transmit large volumes of raw data to Earth for subsequent processing, Orbitworks' satellites will use AI to process data directly in space, providing users with results 'almost instantly,' according to Mohib. He noted the necessity of global competition as other satellite companies implement AI functionality. Quentin A. Parker, Professor of Astrophysics and Space Sciences at the University of Hong Kong, emphasized that 'everyone involved in satellites is striving to put AI onboard.'
Mohib expressed hope that the involvement of the American company Loft Orbital will help attract more Western clients. He mentioned that there was an temptation to partner with a Chinese firm due to competitive pricing and willingness to share intellectual property. Mohib also reported that negotiations are underway with potential clients interested in using Orbitworks' manufacturing facilities. The 50,000 square foot factory is capable of producing 50 satellites weighing up to 500 kilograms (1100 pounds) per year.
According to a 2025 report by Boston Consulting Group (BCG), the global space market, where direct activity of the space industry takes place, reached $224 billion in 2024, with the majority attributed to satellite communications and Earth observation. The Middle East and Africa (MEA) space market was valued at $18 billion, with the UAE contributing about 40–45 percent of this volume.
The country aims to double its revenues from the space economy and enter the top ten global space economies by 2031, seeking to diversify its economy for a post-oil future. In recent decades, the UAE has established space-oriented institutions, developed regulatory frameworks for commercial space activities, and made major investments. The UAE National Space Fund, established with AED 3 billion ($820 million), is intended to support cooperation between international and Emirati companies to build national expertise.
These investments have fostered the development of the private sector in the UAE, which includes new companies like Orbitworks, calling itself the 'first private space infrastructure company in the Middle East.' Faisal Hamadi, Managing Director and Partner at BCG, based in Dubai, told CNN via email that while the UAE has major missions remaining, such as the journey to the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter at a distance of 5 billion kilometers planned for 2028, in the last one or two years, the country has focused more on creating sovereign space security and technology infrastructure to capture economic opportunities.
Hamadi added that whereas previously the UAE purchased satellites and expertise abroad, the current national strategy is clearly aimed at forming a market-oriented ecosystem, rather than a purely state-managed one. Lowering launch costs and increasing the application of AI open up new commercial use scenarios, ranging from monitoring oil and gas infrastructure to disaster response and climate tracking.
Intelligent data from Orbitworks satellites will be used by the Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy for port management, including providing real-time vessel movement information. The Abu Dhabi Development Fund, which assists developing countries, will utilize Altair for remote monitoring of its projects. Furthermore, an agreement has been signed with the French space agency. Mohib noted that this is a 'big endorsement' and marks the transition of the UAE from a buyer of space services from France to a provider.
Orbitworks is exploring the possibility of financing a one-billion-dollar expansion plan, which would allow it to put another 40 satellites into orbit.
A delegation from IT Park Uzbekistan held negotiations with the management of the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park (HSITP) during a working trip to Hong Kong. The main focus of the meetings was strengthening partnership in the fields of innovation, startups, artificial intelligence, and attracting international technology companies.
The meeting took place on July 14, 2026. It was attended by Azamat Karamatov, CEO of IT Park Uzbekistan, and Vincent Ma, Chief Executive Officer of HSITP. During the visit, the delegation also toured the park's visitor center, familiarized itself with the residential infrastructure for specialists, and received a presentation on the opportunities that IT Park Uzbekistan offers to international technology enterprises.
During discussions, the delegation studied the HSITP infrastructure and presented Uzbekistan's digital ecosystem, emphasizing the country's potential as a regional hub for innovation, technology, and international entrepreneurship. Representatives of HSITP provided detailed information about the creation of their world-class innovation ecosystem in the Lok Ma Chau Loop area. This project is being implemented under the concept of 'One Country, Two Systems' and is designed to accommodate over 100,000 specialists in technology and innovation.
The HSITP territory is designated for housing research centers, laboratories, high-tech manufacturing, artificial intelligence development infrastructure, office spaces, and residential complexes. Special attention was paid to the mechanism for selecting park residents. In HSITP, land plots are allocated primarily based on the quality of business proposals and their innovative value. When evaluating applications, 70 percent of the score is assigned to the business plan and technological component of the project, and the remaining 30 percent to the commercial proposal. This approach is aimed at developing projects in sectors such as artificial intelligence, robotics, life sciences, and microelectronics.
The parties also discussed the development of the startup ecosystem. HSITP management presented its incubation program, which allows promising technology companies to participate free of charge without giving up a stake in their business. The goal of this program is to commercialize research and development results, scale projects internationally, and form partnerships with leading industry players. Key areas for joint work include integrating Uzbek startups into Hong Kong's innovation ecosystem, expanding interaction with venture capital funds and investors, and creating conditions for Chinese technology companies to enter the Central Asian market through Uzbekistan.
Furthermore, participants noted the prospects for joint activities in the fields of artificial intelligence, robotics, biotechnology, microelectronics, advanced manufacturing, and commercialization of scientific discoveries. The role of HSITP as a cross-border innovation platform connecting Hong Kong with Victoria Harbour, one of the world's largest technological clusters with a population of about 86 million, was also considered. The parties noted that this model provides international companies access to the mainland Chinese market while retaining the advantages of the Hong Kong business environment. At the conclusion of the negotiations, an agreement was reached to develop cooperation through startup exchange programs, organization of business missions and joint events, expansion of contacts with investors, holding thematic seminars, and ensuring the participation of HSITP representatives in ICT Week Uzbekistan.
BYD Central Asia organized the international event titled THE SECOND SILK ROAD – Civilization in Motion in Samarkand on July 9–10. The event focused on the fusion of the history of the Great Silk Road, advanced technologies, and sustainable development concepts.
The event coincided with the passage of the international expedition The Marco Polo Drive, which demonstrates the potential of new energy mobility along the route connecting Europe and Asia. Over two days, Samarkand served as a platform for international exchange of views, where participants from the business community, experts, and the automotive industry discussed the prospects of eco-friendly transport and the latest trends in mobility.
The BYD Beni Motors Samarkand dealership center and its surrounding area were transformed into a major attraction for citizens, guests, representatives of state bodies, diplomatic missions, company partners, media, bloggers, and expedition participants. Visitors were able to examine the current BYD model range, take part in test drives, attend a special exhibition, use zones for interaction with brand specialists, and enjoy entertainment programs.
A significant moment was the cultural forum and official meeting held at the BYD Beni Motors Samarkand showroom. It featured Ivan Cao, Regional Managing Director of BYD Group for Central Asia and the Caucasus, Patrick June, co-founder of The Marco Polo Drive project, and Davlatbek Rakhimov, founder of Beni Motors. Expedition participants, traveling along the historic route from Rome to Hong Kong, discussed the development of transport using alternative energy sources, the necessity of strengthening international cooperation, and the role of modern technologies in creating sustainable transport infrastructure in Central Asia.
In addition to learning about BYD technologies, test drives, and consultations, guests showed significant interest in interactive activities, quizzes, and prize giveaways. The culmination of each day was the BYD × Silk Road Night evening program, which combined a modern multimedia show, performances by famous artists, and the creation of an atmosphere of a grand city celebration. This evening segment provided a vibrant conclusion to the busy business and exhibition part of the event.
Holding THE SECOND SILK ROAD – Civilization in Motion highlighted the milestone importance for the further promotion of the BYD brand in Uzbekistan and Central Asia. The international event provided a platform for open dialogue between business, international partners, and the general public, demonstrating the company's commitment to developing modern technologies, supporting global cooperation, and popularizing transport powered by new energy sources in the region.
Wipro Chairman Rishad Premji noted that IT service providers can utilize their deep knowledge of clients' business processes, systems, and operational environments to achieve efficiency, implement innovations, and drive AI-based growth.
Thanks to years of experience understanding customer workflows, IT service companies are well-positioned to transform and organize their systems using AI and extract value from them. However, these companies have faced difficulties due to prolonged weak demand and an unstable geopolitical situation, leading to annual growth of less than 5 percent over the last three years, a trend that may persist this year.
Furthermore, AI is reducing the revenue of traditional players as they have to pass on savings to clients. Nevertheless, Premji emphasized that AI will not only increase efficiency but also open up new opportunities for growth and innovation, as enterprises seek to move beyond pilot projects and integrate AI into their workflows, increasing demand for data and AI-based IT modernization.
During Wipro's 80th annual general meeting on Wednesday, Premji stated that 'new sources of growth will emerge. Organizations must rethink processes and workflows, enterprise architecture, and data modernization. This transformation journey will be carried out gradually, through the joint work of new operating models, people, and AI.' As an example, he cited that Wipro's internal financial closing cycle was reduced from 24 to eight hours by using AI.
An S&P Global Ratings report published earlier this week warned that over the next three years, Indian IT service providers will face increased competition from AI-native firms, which could undermine their revenue base if they fail to remain competitive and protect their core business. Premji added that last year, the industry was cautious due to persistently weak demand and geopolitical volatility. Clients continued to focus on cost optimization deals, even investing in AI to transform their talent and platforms.
He also noted that cost optimization deals, although large, require significant time to implement after signing and put pressure on operating margins as traditional players compete for the same market share. In contrast, smaller, AI-focused deals generate revenue faster, provide a regular stream of income, and have higher margins.
CEO and Managing Director Srinivas Pallia clarified that enterprise AI goes beyond just large language models. It includes understanding existing limitations, process mechanics, integrating domain expertise, ensuring data security, and managing change. Moreover, AI is driving the shift towards new commercial models—from effort-based pricing to consumption, transaction, and business outcome-based models.
