CarlosOrari 
The first HAPS production facility in the MENA area has opened its doors in Abu Dhabi, thanks to Mira Aerospace, a major player in the High-Altitude Platform Stations (HAPS) industry and a subsidiary of the UAE-based Space42. The subsidiary’s capacity to manufacture, conduct state-of-the-art research and development, and market HAPS technology will be greatly enhanced by this innovative facility, which will also promote long-term, sustainable growth.
The new 4,500-square-meter facility is poised to produce over 20 HAPS Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) each year, catering to a variety of applications including civil, environmental, and defense sectors. This strategic move aims to reinforce the UAE’s leadership in sovereign aerospace innovation and space-based connectivity, aligning with the broader mission of Space42.
Space42’s initiative to construct this state-of-the-art manufacturing centre aligns with the UAE’s National Space Strategy 2030. The strategy underscores the nation’s commitment to establishing a self-reliant space technology, manufacturing, and research and development infrastructure. This endeavor not only accelerates innovation, but also fortifies the UAE’s resilience in high-tech industries, highlighting the country’s steadfast dedication to becoming a global leader in space technology.
Khaled Al Marzooqi, CEO of Mira Aerospace and Space42, elaborated on the strategic importance of this development, stating, “As the global demand for HAPS accelerates, Space42 is making strategic investments to strengthen our leadership in this growing market. The decision to build our new HAPS manufacturing facility in Abu Dhabi reflects our commitment to creating reliable, cost-effective systems with advanced space technology and plays a central role in developing sovereign capabilities that support our long-term business objectives and the UAE’s broader economic goals.”
The establishment of the HAPS facility is one of several targeted investments by Space42 aimed at enhancing vertically integrated manufacturing and data infrastructure capabilities. In a significant collaboration with ICEYE, the forefront provider of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology, Space42 aims to co-produce Earth Observation (EO) satellites within the UAE. This initiative directly contributes to the UAE’s EO Space Program, reinforcing the country’s capabilities in satellite-based remote sensing. Remarkably, the UAE stands out as the only nation in the Middle East and among a select group of space-faring nations to possess domestic aerospace manufacturing capabilities.
Mira Aerospace, which has been making rapid progress in the HAPS field, has reached a major milestone with the Abu Dhabi facility. Notably, Mira Aerospace and XRANGE partnered in February 2025 to create a permanent testing facility for long-endurance, high-altitude UAV trials. The business announced two cutting-edge payloads in October 2024 that are intended for a range of applications, such as agriculture, urban planning, disaster relief, and environmental monitoring.
The EO payload provides precise data for critical decision-making, while the Telecommunications payload ensures direct-to-device connectivity, facilitating data relay between aerial and ground platforms. Space42 has emerged as a global leader in HAPS technology, notably being the first to demonstrate 5G connectivity from the stratosphere with heavier-than-air HAPS.
This facility plays a key role in Space42’s overall plan to effectively develop its business and have a big influence on the global industry. Space42 wants to become the preferred partner for high-quality geospatial data by centralizing worldwide operations and meeting the increasing demand for HAPS solutions. The company is in a good position to build distinctive capabilities, scale operations efficiently, and uphold strict financial monitoring thanks to this local manufacturing base.
