UAE builds the missing layer of its space stack

The UAE has moved to close a key gap in its space ecosystem with the launch of Eshara, a company focused on the ground segment — the terminals, control systems, and terrestrial infrastructure — that link satellites to users on Earth, Yas Aviation Holding CEO Eisa Al Shamsi told Al Ittihad. The company sits under Yas Holding Aviation, part of Yas Holding investment firm, and will develop and manufacture its systems locally, supported by a local manufacturing facility. Eshara will roll out solutions to government and commercial clients for use in their air, sea, and land operations.

Bigger picture: Eshara lands as Abu Dhabi pushes to localize space capabilities beyond satellites themselves. The UAE has invested AED 44 bn in the sector as of October 2025 and approved a National Space Industries Program to double the number of space companies and exports within five years, targeting a top 10 global ranking for space hubs by 2031. Space42 and Edge’s Fada unit also launched the UAE’s first sovereign earth-observation hub last year, pointing to a broader strategy to bring both space assets and their enabling infrastructure in-house.

AD Ports’ Kezad Town sells another plot

Danube buys AED 840 mn Kezad Town plot from AD Ports: AD Ports is selling off more land — this time to Danube Properties for AED 840 mn, according to a press release. The 1 mn sqm land will be used to develop a mixed-use residential development in Kezad Town Center, Abu Dhabi.

The project is AD Ports’ second sale in the 16 sq km Kezad Town Center, the first being an AED 2.5 bn agreement with Mira Developments last October, which AD Ports is hoping to position as a residential and lifestyle development to go alongside Kezad’s business and industrial setup.

Dubai’s AeroGulf Services acquires 20 eVTOLs

More eVTOLs in Dubai’s skies? Dubai commercial helicopter operator AeroGulf Services signed a preliminary agreement to acquire 20 electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft from Japan-based eVTOL firm SkyDrive, according to a press release. The contract schedules 10 aircraft for delivery in 2028 and a further 10 in 2029. The agreement updates an initial MoU signed in February 2025, which had a pre-order for as many as 50 aircraft, aimed for commercial, touristic flight paths above the Palm Jumeirah in Dubai.

The model acquired — SkyDrive SD-05 — is a compact, two-passenger aircraft with a range of approximately 15 km, making it well-suited for short scenic loops rather than long-distance commuting.

About AeroGulf: Founded in 1976, AeroGulf Services is Dubai’s longest-running commercial helicopter operator. The firm — which operates out of Al Maktoum International Airport — serves the oil and gas industry and handles VIP charters as well as aerial filming.

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