Yahsat and G42 to Collaborate on Remote Sensing and AI enabled Geospatial Analytics

The MoU brings together Yahsat’s advanced upstream satellite capabilities and G42’s downstream artificial intelligence, cloud computing and analytics capabilities
The partnership will support the development of new capabilities for multiple customers with the fusion of radar, optical, and other sensors to provide geospatial analytics-as-a-service

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 3 November 2021: Al Yah Satellite Communications Company PJSC (“Yahsat” and, together with its subsidiaries, “the Group”) listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (“ADX”) under (SYMBOL: YAHSAT) (ISIN: AEA007501017), the UAE’s flagship satellite solutions provider, today announced that its dedicated government arm, Yahsat Government Solutions (“YGS”) and G42, the leading UAE-based artificial intelligence and cloud computing company, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to form a new collaboration focused on advancing remote sensing and geospatial capabilities in the country.

The MoU was formalized at a signing ceremony by Eisa Al Shamsi, General Manager, Yahsat Government Solutions and Talal Al Kaissi, VP of the Space Program, G42 and witnessed by Ali Al Hashemi, Group CEO at Yahsat, and Peng Xiao, Group CEO at G42.

Remote sensing technology is used to detect and monitor natural phenomenon and human activities from a distance using various types of sensor modalities including optical, radar, and radio frequency. The imagery and data captured is then processed and analyzed to deliver meaningful and valuable insights. Remote Sensing technologies are considered integral to a nation’s capabilities, playing a vital role in many areas including environmental mapping, urban development, and public safety.

The collaboration between Yahsat and G42 brings together a unique and powerful combination of advanced space technology and satellite communications expertise with AI and Big Data to develop and deploy best-in-class solutions. The collaboration also brings in specific capabilities of the G42 group companies, such as Bayanat, G42 Smart Nation and the G42 Space Program, to provide value-added managed services and solutions that are powered by the UAE’s satellite capabilities, improving the acquisition, processing, and dissemination of geospatial data to support the needs of local and international customers.

The collaboration underpins Yahsat’s proven track record as the UAE’s leading satellite solutions provider as well as G42’s advanced capabilities in geospatial AI solutions, cloud computing, and value-added data analytics.

Ali Al Hashemi, Group Chief Executive Officer, Yahsat said, “Yahsat is playing a leading role in establishing the UAE as a global hub for space science and technology by building capabilities and supporting a scientific, legislative, and business environment to attract the most advanced space-related initiatives. Access to timely data, along with advanced interpretation capabilities, is critical to the country’s security, environmental, and economic strategy. Yahsat’s extensive experience in satellite communications and advanced space technology solutions make it the ideal partner to drive this key agenda”.

Peng Xiao, Group CEO, G42 said, “We are extremely pleased to collaborate with Yahsat to enhance the provision of best-in-class geospatial solutions and add further depth to our research in this domain through more precise and accurate data. At G42 we always look to partner with global leaders to explore ways in which technology can produce positive progress across markets and societies and we look forward to a fruitful collaboration with Yahsat in years to come.”

Eisa Al Shamsi, General Manager, Yahsat Government Solutions, added “The global remote sensing technology market size is expected to reach approximately US$30 billion by 2027, making it a significant opportunity for leading satellite communication firms such as Yahsat. Yahsat Government Solutions is delighted to be joining forces with our partner, G42, to forge a new and exciting collaboration that will play an instrumental role in delivering AI-enabled remote sensing solutions and services to our customers”.

Talal Al Kaissi, VP of the G42 Space Program said, “The advent of increased access to space enabled by lower costs of launch, coupled with the proliferation of low earth orbit satellite constellations in the remote sensing domain, has unlocked new opportunities and markets enabled by this paradigm. Earth imaging is becoming more frequent, and the different sensors utilized are creating an incredible amount of data which the complementary partnership we are creating between G42 and Yahsat is well placed to unlock new commercial value from and support, with important causes such as climate change mitigation efforts.”