News DeskAbu Dhabi: UAE-based SpaceTech firm Space42 has announced that its AI-powered geospatial intelligence platform, GIQ, is now available on the Microsoft Azure Marketplace, expanding its international reach and reinforcing the UAE’s growing influence in space-enabled digital services.
Developed in partnership with the UAE Space Agency, GIQ enables governments, researchers and enterprises to access and analyse satellite imagery in minutes. The platform consolidates data from more than 10 satellite providers and integrates over eight proprietary AI models used in critical operations such as disaster response, infrastructure planning and food security monitoring.
Salem Butti Al Qubaisi, Director-General of the UAE Space Agency, said the launch marked a major milestone in the country’s Space Strategy 2030. “Through our first public-private partnership with Space42, we created a platform that empowers researchers, startups and global partners with access to cutting-edge space data and AI capabilities,” he said. “The listing of the region’s first AI-powered geospatial intelligence platform on Azure underscores the UAE’s leadership in space innovation and advanced analytics.”
The GIQ platform is already recognised for its operational impact, having recently earned the UAE Government’s Future-Fit Prize for digital readiness.
Hasan Al Hosani, CEO of Smart Solutions at Space42, said the Azure launch supports the company’s ambition to become a global leader in geospatial intelligence. “GIQ’s availability on Azure is a defining milestone,” he said. “It equips organisations worldwide with practical, scalable insights while removing procurement and technical barriers.”
Faster Insights, Secure Processing
GIQ addresses long-standing challenges in geospatial analytics such as fragmented data sources and high computational costs. The platform promises to cut analysis time from hours to minutes by providing users with an end-to-end solution for satellite data acquisition, processing and insight generation.
To address data sovereignty concerns — a key hurdle for governments — GIQ operates within a secure AI sandbox, allowing sensitive datasets to be processed without external exposure.
The platform also features an open marketplace where startups and developers can publish Earth observation applications for sectors such as climate resilience, agriculture and urban development.
AI Assistant in Development
Space42 is piloting an AI assistant within the platform that helps non-specialists navigate analysis workflows. The assistant recommends satellite imagery, resolutions and analytical models based on user objectives, enabling faster decision-making even for first-time users.
Supporting National and Global Agendas
The Azure listing aligns with the UAE’s National Space Strategy 2030 and the UAE 2031 Vision, which emphasise digital transformation and space-enabled economic growth. It also strengthens collaboration between the UAE and global technology providers.
By integrating with Azure, GIQ can now be purchased using pre-approved cloud credits, allowing enterprises and governments to onboard without lengthy procurement procedures.
Industry analysts say the move positions Space42 as a key regional exporter of space intelligence solutions — turning national investment in space infrastructure into globally accessible services.
