Abu Dhabi-based AI and SpaceTech company Space42 has announced the launch of its AI-powered geospatial intelligence platform, GIQ, on the Microsoft Azure Marketplace. This strategic move significantly expands the global accessibility of the platform, reinforcing the UAE’s leadership in space-enabled data analytics and decision-making.
A Strategic Leap for UAE’s Space Ambitions
Developed in partnership with the UAE Space Agency, the GIQ platform is a cornerstone of the nation’s Space Strategy 2030, which prioritizes developing talent and economic opportunities in the Earth observation sector. The platform’s success has already been recognized with the prestigious Future-Fit Seal from the UAE Government Development and the Future Office, highlighting its role in building resilient digital infrastructure.
His Excellency Salem Butti Al Qubaisi, Director-General of the UAE Space Agency, commented on the milestone, stating, “The listing of the region’s first AI-powered geospatial intelligence platform on Microsoft Azure Marketplace marks an important strategic milestone, underscoring the UAE’s ongoing leadership in space innovation and advanced analytics. By facilitating access to satellite imagery and providing a dynamic marketplace for innovative Earth observation applications, the platform contributes to bridging the gap between space data and services.”
Democratizing Geospatial Intelligence
GIQ was designed to address common barriers to the adoption of geospatial intelligence, such as limited data access, fragmented sources, and high computational demands. By transforming multi-source satellite data from over 10 vendors into decision-ready intelligence within minutes, the platform offers three core capabilities: it accelerates the speed of insights, guarantees data sovereignty through a secure AI sandbox, and fosters a global ecosystem for startups and developers to build applications addressing challenges from climate resilience to food security.
“GIQ’s availability on Azure is a defining milestone in our mission to lead globally in geospatial intelligence platforms and services,” said Hasan Al Hosani, CEO of Smart Solutions at Space42. “Together with Microsoft and the UAE Space Agency, we are equipping organizations worldwide with practical, scalable, and accessible insights.”
Global Access Through Azure Marketplace
By launching on Azure, GIQ becomes more accessible to a global customer base. Organizations can now purchase credits directly from the marketplace, integrating them into existing Azure commitments and removing procurement hurdles. This offers a trusted and cost-efficient path for governments, researchers, and enterprises to adopt advanced geospatial intelligence. To further simplify adoption, Space42 is also piloting an AI assistant within GIQ to guide non-specialist users in generating insights quickly.
About Space42
Space42 is a UAE-based AI-powered SpaceTech company formed in 2024 through the merger of Bayanat and Yahsat. It integrates satellite communications, geospatial analytics, and artificial intelligence to provide critical insights and services. The company operates through two business units: Space Services, focusing on satellite operations, and Smart Solutions, which integrates geospatial data and AI for enhanced decision-making. Its major shareholders include G42, Mubadala, and IHC.
Source: Zawya
