The project Abu Dhabi Quantum Optical Ground Station (ADQOGS) for Secure Free-Space Optical Communications has a main goal to connect Abu Dhabi, and thereby the United Arab Emirates as a whole, to the global Quantum-secure Communication Network. Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is the most mature quantum communications technology, enabling secure, private communication even in the presence of adversaries with unlimited computing power. QKD is used to exchange secure encryption keys using single photons. In this paper, we present the role of ADQOGS in facilitating long-distance QKD-secure communication channels and its impact on the development of Free-space optical communications in general. The paper also showcases new applications the ADQOGS facility can provide in different space-related domains.