The IHC Marlan Space deal gives the Abu Dhabi group majority control of its holding company as satellite manufacturing and AI infrastructure expand.
ABU DHABI: The IHC Marlan Space deal is set to give International Holding Company a major position in the UAE’s rapidly expanding commercial space industry, adding satellite manufacturing, AI-powered Earth observation and advanced computing to its technology portfolio.
IHC is in the process of acquiring an 80 per cent stake in Marlan Holding RSC Ltd, the holding company behind UAE-based Marlan Space. The transaction is being pursued through IHC’s wholly owned subsidiary International Tech Group SP LLC and remains subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.
Financial terms have not been disclosed.
What is IHC acquiring?
Marlan Space operates and invests across space systems, autonomous operations and advanced computing.
One of its most significant businesses is Orbitworks, created through a joint venture with US-based Loft Orbital. The Abu Dhabi company designs, builds, tests and operates satellites from its assembly, integration and testing facility in KEZAD.
Its Altair programme is developing an AI-enabled Earth observation constellation combining technologies including optical, hyperspectral, thermal, infrared and passive radio-frequency sensors with onboard processing.
The first Altair satellite has already been completed, with additional satellites being assembled in Abu Dhabi.
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Why is IHC investing in space?
The IHC Marlan Space deal extends the group’s existing investments in artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure and advanced technologies into the commercial space economy.
Satellite technology is increasingly connected with areas ranging from communications and environmental monitoring to infrastructure, security, data and artificial intelligence.
The strategy received another significant boost on September 9 when Marlan Space and Loft Orbital announced that they are leading a consortium investing $1 billion in France to develop Altair-Next Gen.
The initial phase is expected to include 50 satellites carrying radar, optical and other sensors for government, sovereign and commercial customers.
Also read: SpaceX just added 24 more satellites and the Starlink network keeps getting bigger
What could this mean for Abu Dhabi?
The acquisition gives IHC exposure to a UAE-based company capable of building satellite technology locally while serving international markets.
Marlan Space could meanwhile gain access to IHC’s capital, technology relationships and broader business network as it expands.
The IHC Marlan Space deal also arrives as Abu Dhabi seeks to strengthen its position in advanced manufacturing and space technology, with locally built satellites creating opportunities beyond the UAE.
Orbitworks’ manufacturing presence in KEZAD is particularly important because it places satellite production infrastructure within Abu Dhabi rather than relying entirely on overseas manufacturing.
Impact to expect
Expansion. IHC’s investment could accelerate locally developed satellite technology and strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position in the growing global commercial space and AI infrastructure market.
