Abu Dhabi’s International Holding Company (IHC) has announced plans to acquire an 80% stake in Marlan Holding, the parent entity behind the prominent UAE space firm, Marlan Space. Executed through IHC’s subsidiary, International Tech Group, the deal marks a significant shift for the conglomerate as it deepens its footprint in the burgeoning "new space economy." While the financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed, the move positions IHC to capitalize on high-growth sectors, including advanced satellite manufacturing, deep-tech infrastructure, and AI-driven space operations.

Marlan Space is a key player in the regional industry, notably founding Orbitworks—the Middle East's first private satellite infrastructure company—in collaboration with the US-based firm Loft Orbital. By bringing Marlan under its umbrella, IHC gains access to cutting-edge ventures like the Altair satellite constellation, which focuses on sophisticated Earth observation technology. Executives from both companies expressed that the partnership will combine IHC’s significant capital and reach with Marlan’s technical expertise, ultimately aiming to transform Abu Dhabi into a global hub for competitive space capabilities and international satellite services.