Salim Al Alawi is an executive in commercial space and AI-enabled Earth observation, helping build Orbitworks, the UAE's first satellite manufacturer. As a founding team member, he built the commercial function from zero to revenue-generating within 18 months, establishing the company across defence, security, agriculture, energy, and maritime markets worldwide.
He leads commercial strategy for Altair, Orbitworks' inaugural AI-enabled Earth observation constellation: ten multi-sensor satellites with sub-metre optical, infrared, hyperspectral, and RF sensing, paired with edge computing for real-time in-orbit processing. Altair demonstrates the UAE's capacity to design, manufacture,
and export advanced space infrastructure at scale, serving sovereign and commercial customers globally.
Salim previously served as Associate Vice President at Space42 (formerly Yahsat), where he led delivery of a satellite infrastructure programme valued at more than $5 billion, held board-level accountability for multibillion-dollar contractual commitments, and generated over $30 million in commercial satcom revenue. His
experience spans government, defence, and enterprise customers across the Middle East, Africa, and international markets.
Salim speaks internationally on space commercialisation, AI-enabled Earth observation, and the convergence of aerospace with emerging technology, a regular presence at major global industry events and in international media.
Speaking
16September
13:55 / 14:35
Normandy
Summit for Satellite Financing
Smallsats, Big Ambitions: Manufacturing at the Pace of Innovation
