The purchase will provide IHC access to the space technology and deep-tech industries, involving satellite infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, and associated technologies, the company announced.
Marlan Space is an investor and operator dedicated to space and related enterprises and technologies, with investments covering space systems, autonomous operations, and sophisticated computing.
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The company established Orbitworks, a collaboration with Loft Orbital from the US, which is referred to as the first private space infrastructure firm in the Middle East. Orbitworks is located in Abu Dhabi and designs, constructs, evaluates, and operates satellite systems.
Marlan Space reported that its premier initiative, Altair, is a constellation of Earth-observation satellites equipped with optical, hyperspectral, thermal, infrared, and passive radio-frequency sensors, alongside artificial intelligence and onboard processing capabilities. Orbitworks is building the satellites at its site in the Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD), noting that the first Altair satellite is finished and others are in the assembly process.
On the strategic purchase, IHC Chief Executive Syed Basar Shueb says, “Space is becoming an increasingly important part of the global technology and infrastructure landscape, with applications extending across communications, Earth observation, data, AI and many other sectors”.
The purchase would position IHC in the space economy and offer Marlan Space access to the group's capital and additional resources, Shueb notes.
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Marlan Space's CEO Hamdullah Mohib stated that the agreement would enable the company to enhance its abilities and collaborations while exploring prospects in the worldwide space market.
The deal occurs as the aerospace sector draws investment due to anticipated reductions in launch expenses, heightened demand for satellite-derived data and services, and increased government expenditure on national space capabilities, he states.
The Abu Dhabi group stated that its investment in Marlan Space would enhance its current involvement in artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, and other technology sectors. The organization stated its intention to investigate the potential to connect satellite-driven capabilities with its investments in technology, data, and infrastructure, it mentions.
The purchase occurs as the worldwide space economy experiences major changes, influenced by lower launch expenses, increasing demand for satellite-based information and services, and heightened investment in national space capacities.
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The Marlan Space agreement is IHC’s most recent in a series of purchases this year. The conglomerate from Abu Dhabi has been engaging in numerous deals through 2026, such as acquiring a majority stake in First Women Bank Limited in Pakistan's banking industry, taking 70 percent of Peko Holdings, and boosting its ownership in Invictus Investment Company.
IHC has been carrying out an authorized Dh5 billion share repurchase initiative along with several subsidiary-level deals in chemicals, financial services, and various other industries.