The two companies hope the partnership will lay the foundations for a Gulf-UK “space channel” to encourage further collaboration between the regions. The project is receiving funding from both sides, notably, the UK Space Agency’s International Bilateral Fund (IBF) has awarded the companies £75,000.

“Working with other space agencies and organisations across the globe through our International Bilateral Fund allows us to draw on skills that enhance our homegrown expertise and capabilities, drive up investment in the UK, and support world-class science and discovery,” said Dr Paul Bate, chief executive of the UK Space Agency.

The companies are proposing to use EO data to monitor and manage water resources, urbanisation and infrastructure, carbon monitoring, oil and gas leaks, natural disaster monitoring and support general ESG (Environmental, social, and corporate governance) initiatives. 

As EO is an area of expertise for UK companies, especially in supporting the transition towards net zero, the key driver of this project is strengthening its partnership with strategic and emerging space nations in the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.

“Our project will showcase the UK’s impressive Earth Observation capabilities to new markets, promoting commercialisation opportunities, sharing knowledge on all sides and supporting the protection of the environment,” said Daniel Smith, founder of AstroAgency.

“As we unite our resources, knowledge, and innovative capacities, we are setting the stage for a transformative trajectory in space innovation. This endeavour is not just about the immediate outcomes but the strategic blueprint it lays for the future of space exploration and commercialisation,” said Adnan AlRais, assistant DG of the Space Operations and Exploration Sector at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre.

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According to a release from the companies, the partnership will leverage AI and machine learning technologies with the participating countries, which could potentially see the project secure up to £1.5 million from the Gulf countries. 

In the UAE, space capabilities are one of its proposed economic drivers, meaning the country intends to invest a total of £800 million in the sector. 

 “The UAE has one of the fastest growing space programmes in the world,” said Anna Hazlett, founder of AzurX. “This international collaboration offers an opportunity for UK space companies to enter and service the GCC region, whilst creating strong international trade and investment ties for years to come.”