International Holding Company (IHC) is moving to strengthen its presence in the rapidly growing space technology sector through a proposed acquisition of an 80% stake in Marlan Holding RSC Ltd, the parent company of Marlan Space.
IHC said its wholly owned subsidiary, International Tech Group SP LLC, is pursuing the majority investment, which remains subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.
The deal will broaden IHC’s technology portfolio into deep technology and the emerging space economy, with a focus on satellite infrastructure, advanced manufacturing and next-generation space technologies. It also forms part of the Abu Dhabi-based group’s wider strategy of building long-term investment platforms in industries supported by technological development and structural global growth.
Marlan Space Focuses on Emerging Space Technologies
Marlan Space operates as an investor and operator focused on space-related businesses and technologies. Its portfolio includes space systems, autonomous operations and advanced computing capabilities.
The company is also the founder and operator of Orbitworks, a joint venture with US-based Loft Orbital that is focused on developing commercial satellite infrastructure and manufacturing satellites at scale.
Based in Abu Dhabi, Orbitworks operates a satellite assembly, integration and testing facility in KEZAD. The facility is designed to support the development, testing and deployment of satellite systems for customers in the UAE and international markets.
One of its key programmes is Altair, an AI-enabled Earth observation constellation designed to combine multiple sensing technologies. The system is expected to use optical, hyperspectral, thermal, infrared and passive radio-frequency payloads, alongside onboard processing capabilities.
IHC Sees Opportunity in the New Space Economy
IHC CEO Syed Basar Shueb said the space sector is becoming increasingly important to the global technology and infrastructure ecosystem, with applications spanning communications, Earth observation, artificial intelligence and data services.
He said the acquisition would give IHC a strategic foothold in the new space economy while providing Marlan Space with access to IHC’s capital, capabilities and business networks to support its next stage of expansion.
Marlan Space CEO Hamdullah Mohib said the transaction represents a new phase for the company as it seeks to develop globally competitive space capabilities from Abu Dhabi.
He added that IHC’s majority ownership would provide Marlan Space with additional resources to expand its operations, strengthen international partnerships and pursue opportunities across the global space market.
Orbitworks Advances UAE Satellite Manufacturing
The proposed acquisition comes as the global space industry undergoes rapid change, supported by lower launch costs, increasing demand for satellite-based data and services, and greater investment in national and sovereign space capabilities.
Marlan Space’s partnership with Loft Orbital provides Orbitworks with access to international technology and expertise. The collaboration is intended to help accelerate satellite production and deployment through standardized and flexible infrastructure.
Orbitworks is currently developing the Altair Earth observation programme, with its first satellite completed and additional satellites being assembled in Abu Dhabi.
The initiative highlights the UAE’s growing capacity to develop advanced space infrastructure locally while integrating satellite technology with artificial intelligence, data analytics and other emerging technologies.
Deal Strengthens IHC’s Technology Portfolio
The investment would also complement IHC’s existing exposure to artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure and other technology-driven sectors.
By bringing Marlan Space into its wider portfolio, IHC aims to create opportunities for collaboration between satellite capabilities and its investments in areas such as data, infrastructure and advanced technologies.
The company believes these connections could create new commercial opportunities as satellite-based services become increasingly important across industries.
The proposed transaction remains subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.
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