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Saudi Space Agency Launches Abaad Platform to Advance Arab Astrophotography
The Saudi Space Agency on April 28, 2026, launched the Abaad platform to promote astrophotography, enrich Arabic content in the field and enable enthusiasts to document cosmic phenomena, according to the Saudi Press Agency. Submissions in categories such as deep space, the solar system, star trails and space with heritage will be evaluated monthly, with the best images published across the agency’s platforms. The project also seeks to construct a specialized visual archive while fostering greater community engagement with space sciences.
The Saudi Press Agency reported that the platform aims to showcase Arab photographers’ creative work and strengthen their presence in the field through structured participation tracks. Participants can capture astronomical images and upload them via the dedicated site for regular review, where monthly selections identify standout contributions. The Saudi Space Agency described the initiative as part of its efforts to promote scientific awareness, support creativity and enable innovative community involvement in space sciences. This approach has been designed to appeal to a wide range of enthusiasts across the region who seek to contribute to collective documentation of the cosmos.
According to the announcement, the Abaad platform will accept submissions that are then assessed to produce a growing archive of high-quality astronomical visuals available in Arabic. The four participation tracks cover deep space objects, solar system features, star trail patterns and combinations of celestial views with heritage sites, providing varied opportunities for documentation. Selected images receive publication on official channels, which the Saudi Press Agency indicated would help build public interest and preserve notable works for broader educational use. The process ensures that Arab talent gains visibility while adding to the sector’s cultural resources.
The launch takes place as Saudi Arabia’s space sector experiences marked expansion aligned with national development plans. Industry assessments from Space and Defense indicate that the sector generated $400 million in 2022 and is expected to reach $2.2 billion by 2030. A KSA Space Market Report 2025 forecast placed potential growth at $31.6 billion by 2035, underscoring the strategic importance attached to space activities under Vision 2030. These figures reflect sustained investment in technology, infrastructure and related programs across the Kingdom.
Separate data from P&S Intelligence on the Saudi Arabian space launch market estimated its value at $190 million in 2025, with projections for expansion to $477.5 million by 2032 at a compound annual growth rate of 14.1 percent. The Saudi Space Agency has pursued multiple initiatives in recent years that include satellite programs and international collaborations, according to its published materials. The Abaad platform adds a public engagement layer to these technical advancements by inviting direct participation from individuals interested in astrophotography. Such efforts contribute to the overall ecosystem that supports the sector’s reported trajectory.
The Saudi Press Agency noted that those wishing to participate can visit ssa.gov.sa/abaad-platform for full details on submission procedures and category requirements. Images must align with the defined tracks to qualify for the monthly evaluation cycle that determines which works advance to publication. The agency has framed the platform as a tool for building a lasting visual repository that enriches Arabic scientific literature. Regular updates on featured photographs will continue to be distributed through the Saudi Space Agency’s established outlets.
