Abu Dhabi-based International Holding Company (IHC) is moving to acquire an 80% stake in Marlan Holding RSC Ltd, the parent company behind UAE-based Marlan Space. The transaction is being pursued through IHC’s wholly owned subsidiary, International Tech Group SP LLC, and remains subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.
The deal would give IHC a majority position in a business operating across satellite systems, space infrastructure, advanced computing and autonomous technologies. It also expands the investment group’s exposure to the emerging ‘new space economy’ and deep-tech industries. The financial terms of the proposed transaction have not been disclosed.
Marlan Space operates and invests in companies working across space systems, autonomous operations and advanced computing. One of its key businesses is Orbitworks, a joint venture with US-based Loft Orbital that develops and manufactures commercial satellites.
Based at the Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD), Orbitworks designs, builds, tests and operates satellite systems for regional and international customers. The company has been described as the Middle East’s first private space infrastructure company.
Its flagship Altair program is an AI-enabled Earth observation satellite constellation. The system combines optical, hyperspectral, thermal, infrared and passive radio-frequency sensors with onboard processing capabilities. The first Altair satellite has been completed, while additional satellites are being assembled in Abu Dhabi.
For IHC, the acquisition creates a new platform spanning satellite infrastructure, advanced manufacturing and emerging space technologies. The group also plans to connect Marlan Space with capabilities across its broader portfolio in areas such as technology, data and infrastructure.
“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,” said Syed Basar Shueb, CEO of IHC.
Marlan Space has built a strong platform in this emerging ecosystem, combining technology, infrastructure and international partnerships. This acquisition gives IHC a strategic position in the new space economy and provides Marlan Space with access to the Group’s capital, capabilities and Dynamic Value Networks to accelerate its next phase of growth,” he further added.
The move adds to IHC’s wider investments in AI, digital infrastructure and advanced technologies.
Marlan Space CEO Hamdullah Mohib said the company aims to build globally competitive space capabilities from Abu Dhabi while connecting the UAE with international technology and expertise.
“With IHC as our majority shareholder, we will have an even stronger platform to scale our capabilities, deepen our partnerships and pursue opportunities across the global space economy. Our focus remains on building infrastructure and technologies that can serve the UAE while competing globally,” Mohib said.
The transaction will only close after the required regulatory approvals and other customary conditions are satisfied. If completed, the deal would strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position in satellite manufacturing and space technology while giving IHC a direct foothold in one of the fastest-developing areas of the global technology economy.