In a significant move to advance Abu Dhabi’s urban innovation agenda, Space42 has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) to co-develop sophisticated geospatial and AI solutions. This partnership is set to create the next generation of smart city systems for the Emirate by building a comprehensive “digital twin” of its urban landscape.
A New Era of Urban Planning
The collaboration will merge Space42’s deep expertise in satellite imaging and data analytics with DMT’s capabilities in urban planning and infrastructure management. Together, they will construct highly detailed virtual replicas of Abu Dhabi’s transport networks, green spaces, and energy systems. These digital twins will allow officials to simulate and optimize urban operations, enabling faster, smarter, and more sustainable decision-making to enhance the quality of life for residents. As part of the agreement, Space42 will provide advanced satellite data services and AI-powered mapping tools to support how DMT plans, maintains, and expands the city’s infrastructure.
Strategic Alignment With Abu Dhabi’s Vision
This initiative is directly aligned with Abu Dhabi’s Government Digital Strategy 2025–2027, which has allocated AED 13 billion toward AI and cloud technologies to modernize public services. The partnership reinforces the capital’s position as a global leader in data-driven governance, having been ranked fifth globally in the 2025 IMD Smart City Index. Hasan Al Hosani, CEO of Smart Solutions at Space42, stated, “Our partnership with DMT reflects Space42’s ambition to be a global leader in geospatial intelligence and AI platform services, helping cities become safer and more responsive to people’s needs.”
Building on a Growing Smart City Portfolio
For Space42, this MoU strengthens its expanding portfolio of smart city projects. The company is already a key player behind the UAE’s first Sovereign Mobility Cloud and is actively working with e& to deploy Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) technology. These initiatives aim to create a fully connected ecosystem between vehicles, infrastructure, and people, bringing the vision of an intelligent, interconnected city closer to reality. The collaboration with DMT will also include pilot projects, capacity-building programs, and joint research into how space technology can transform urban and environmental management.
About Space42
Space42 is a global space technology champion based in the UAE, formed from the merger of Bayanat and Yahsat. The company provides a comprehensive range of solutions, including satellite communications, geospatial intelligence, and AI-powered data analytics. It aims to deliver cutting-edge technologies to drive innovation and support strategic national objectives across various sectors.
Source: Fast Company Middle East
