To gain more insights into EDGE’s Space and Cyber Technologies cluster, its activities and plans to strengthen the UAE’s capabilities in this critical domain, Al Jundi Journal interviewed Waleid Al-Mesmari, the President of Space and Cyber Technology at EDGE Group, and had the following dialogue with him:
Tell us about your professional journey and how it has shaped your role as President of the Space and Cyber Technologies cluster at EDGE Group?
My professional journey has centred on advancing innovation and developing ecosystems that drive the UAE’s knowledge-based economy. While my earlier experiences provided valuable insights into the transformative potential of technology, my current focus is on applying these perspectives to support the UAE’s ambition of becoming a global leader in advanced technologies.
As President of the Space and Cyber Technologies cluster at EDGE, I am responsible for shaping strategies that not only drive innovation but also build critical capabilities to strengthen the UAE’s technological sovereignty. This includes leading key entities such as KATIM, ORYXLABS, BEACON RED, HIGHLANDER and FADA to deliver forward-thinking solutions that address future challenges and establish the UAE as a leader in space exploration, tactical communications, cybersecurity, and digital resilience.
How do FADA, KATIM, ORYXLABS, HIGH LANDER and BEACON RED contribute to the strategic objectives of EDGE Group’s Space & Cyber Technologies cluster?
Each entity within the Space & Cyber Technologies cluster plays a distinct yet complementary role in advancing EDGE’s strategic objectives and supporting the UAE’s broader vision. Collectively, they form an integrated ecosystem that delivers cutting-edge, multi-domain solutions.
FADA leads the UAE’s ambitions in the space sector by developing advanced satellite subsystems and earth observation technologies that drive innovation and global competitiveness.
KATIM delivers secure, end-to-end communication solutions, protecting sensitive information for governments, industries, and organisations requiring reliable and resilient communications.
ORYXLABS enhances cybersecurity with scalable, integrated solutions that mitigate threats, provide situational awareness, and safeguard critical infrastructure across diverse domains.
HIGH LANDER powers advanced Universal Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) solutions, enabling autonomous flight, intelligent airspace control, and seamless coordination for drone fleets through a hardware-free system.
BEACON RED equips organisations with specialised tools, training, and advisory services to tackle complex challenges, augmenting people knowledge, skills, and competencies to help advance their careers, bolstering national security and operational readiness.
By integrating their expertise and capabilities, these entities contribute to EDGE’s mission of delivering disruptive solutions that enhance technological sovereignty and position the UAE as a leader in innovation and resilience.
In what ways do these organisations align with and contribute to the UAE’s vision of becoming a global leader in advanced space and cyber technology solutions?
These organisations are integral to the UAE’s vision of becoming a global leader in advanced technology, not only through their cutting-edge solutions but also by fostering local talent and building human capacity. In just four months since its launch, FADA has begun establishing a robust Emirati talent network focused on space hardware design, satellite subsystems, and operational expertise. This initiative ensures that the UAE’s space sector is powered by homegrown talent, fostering long-term sustainability and aligning with national objectives to drive innovation and technological sovereignty.
The cluster’s focus on developing sovereign capabilities ensures that the UAE can independently design and deliver advanced technologies while supporting export-driven growth. Through strategic initiatives and collaborations, these entities contribute to building a robust ecosystem that strengthens national resilience and enhances the UAE’s competitiveness on the global stage.
By prioritising talent development, innovation, and alignment with national priorities, the Space & Cyber Technologies cluster plays a vital role in realising the UAE’s aspirations for developing local capabilities and leadership in the global market.
What is your vision for FADA, its development and the role it aims to play in advancing the UAE’s strategic ambitions?
FADA envisions becoming a cornerstone of the UAE’s ambitions in space technologies by building a sustainable and self-reliant space ecosystem. By prioritising the development of advanced satellite systems and Earth Observation capabilities, FADA aims to address national and global challenges, such as climate change and disaster management.
The company’s efforts are focused on nurturing local talent, fostering engineering and technical expertise, and enabling a strong Emirati workforce to lead the UAE’s space sector. In parallel, FADA is driving collaboration with SMEs and private sector partners to unlock innovation and strengthen the UAE’s position in the global space sector.
How is KATIM reinforcing the UAE’s cyber technology landscape, particularly in high-stakes environments?
KATIM plays a vital role in enhancing the UAE’s cyber technology landscape, particularly in high-stakes environments such as government, defence, and critical industries. Its innovative solutions, including the KATIM X3M ultra-secure smartphone, provide tamper-resistant hardware, custom cryptography, and end-to-end security to protect sensitive information under the most demanding conditions.
Additionally, KATIM Gateway network encryptors offer advanced secure communication capabilities for organisations managing high volumes of sensitive data, ensuring seamless and protected information exchange across networks. These gateways, combined with solutions like post-quantum cryptography and VPN-based encryption, address the growing complexity of modern cyber threats.
KATIM has developed a state-of-the-art satellite modem utilising cutting-edge Software Defined Radio (SDR) architecture. This modem is not just about data transmission; it stands as a symbol of advanced electronic protection and top-tier communication security.
By delivering robust infrastructure and communication security, KATIM reinforces the UAE’s cyber resilience and its leadership in advanced secure communications solutions.
What are ORYXLABS’ most significant contributions to enhancing cyber technology resilience in the UAE?
ORYXLABS has significantly enhanced cyber technology resilience in the UAE through innovative solutions and strategic initiatives. Its digital risk protection and advanced threat intelligence tools, such as the Discovery solution, DNS Firewall, and Cyber360 compliance tool, tackle critical challenges, including vulnerability identification, regulatory compliance, and infrastructure protection. These efforts earned ORYXLABS multiple accolades at the 2024 Cybersecurity Excellence Awards.
In collaboration with the UAE Cyber Security Council, ORYXLABS developed the State of the Nation: GCC Report, offering valuable insights into regional cyber trends and risks. Such initiatives, alongside partnerships showcased at GITEX Global 2024, position ORYXLABS as a leader in addressing emerging threats and fostering resilience.
How do strategic partnerships contribute to advancing innovation within EDGE?
Strategic partnerships within the UAE play a vital role in advancing innovation at EDGE. For instance, collaborations with organisations like the UAE Cyber Security Council strengthen national cyber resilience, while global partnerships with entities such as Pavotek, extend EDGE’s reach into key markets and foster the exchange of expertise.
Is there a message you would like to convey to the defence and technology communities in the UAE and beyond?
EDGE recently celebrated its fifth anniversary, marking a significant milestone in its journey of innovation and growth. Over the past half-decade, EDGE has solidified its position as a global leader in advanced technologies, contributing to the UAE’s strategic ambitions by developing sovereign capabilities and fostering global partnerships. This anniversary highlights the achievements that have shaped EDGE’s trajectory and reinforces its vision for the future as a driving force in the evolving defence and technology sectors.●
