Abu Dhabi, UAE, May 2026 — Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) has announced that its first satellite capacity will be launched in Q4 2026 to support the monitoring and implementation of its global projects. The launch represents a significant step forward in integrating advanced space-based capabilities into development finance, under its strategic partnership with Orbitworks.
Announced on the sidelines of its participation in Make It In the Emirates 2026, this milestone positions ADFD at the forefront of innovation among global development institutions, enabling more precise, data-driven decision-making and enhancing the monitoring and delivery of development projects across its international portfolio.
This development builds on an agreement signed during the World Governments Summit with Orbitworks, through which ADFD became the first development fund globally to secure dedicated satellite capacity, establishing a new model for integrating advanced space capabilities into development finance.
H.E. Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of ADFD, said: “The launch of our first dedicated satellite capacity in Q4 marks a defining step in how we monitor and deliver development impact. This capability strengthens our ability to oversee projects with greater precision and transparency, while also reflecting the UAE’s growing leadership in advanced industries and space technologies, in line with the vision of our leadership and the objectives of Make it in the Emirates.”
Dr. Hamdullah Mohib, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Orbitworks, said: “This milestone reflects the transition from agreement to execution, enabling ADFD with dedicated satellite capacity and supporting a new approach to development finance that is more data-driven, accountable, and responsive.”
As part of advancing this partnership, ADFD conducted an official visit to Orbitworks’ facility, marking the transition from agreement to implementation and reinforcing alignment on delivery timelines ahead of the Q4 2026 launch.
Under this collaboration, ADFD will leverage the Altair constellation, a group of 10 AI-enabled, multi-sensor satellites assembled and integrated in Abu Dhabi, reflecting tangible progress in localising advanced manufacturing capabilities and reinforcing the UAE’s position as a hub for high-tech industries.
The integration of Earth observation capabilities into the Fund’s ecosystem strengthens oversight of its global portfolio by delivering independent, near real-time data on project execution, environmental conditions, and infrastructure development, in addition to task satellite imagery, access high-resolution datasets, and connect to Orbitworks’ secure digital mission control platform, thereby enhancing its ability to track project progress, verify compliance with standards, and assess project impact across multiple countries and regions.
Following commissioning, the Altair constellation will provide continuous optical imaging capabilities, enabling independent oversight across ADFD-financed projects worldwide. This initiative reinforces the UAE’s broader commitment to advancing space-enabled applications and local manufacturing, while supporting ADFD’s efforts to enhance efficiency, transparency, and measurable impact across its global development portfolio.
