Investments in the UAE’s space sector have reached AED40 billion ($10.9 billion) in recent years, highlighting the nation’s commitment to advancing its position in the field of space exploration. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of the Supreme Space Council, underlined the significance of these investments during the Council’s first meeting.
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said: “The national space sector continues to grow and advance, and we take immense pride in the remarkable achievements we have accomplished over the years. These milestones have become a cornerstone of innovation and scientific advancement in the UAE.”
Transformative growth and private sector involvement
The Crown Prince further elaborated on the transformative growth within the UAE space sector, which has seen rapid expansion in a record timeframe. He highlighted that research and development spending on space exploration projects has risen by 14.8 percent compared to the previous year. Moreover, the sector has recorded a 29 percent annual growth in the number of companies operating within it, with private sector financing and investments accounting for 44.3 percent, showcasing the increasing role of private enterprises in this critical area.
Ambitious national projects and workforce development
Sheikh Hamdan stated, “Today, the UAE proudly leads five national projects aimed at exploring the moon, Mars, and the asteroid belt. We have developed a highly skilled workforce capable of undertaking the most challenging scientific missions. Our commitment to ambitious space exploration programmes remains steadfast. In the next phase, we aim to further strengthen the sector by fostering greater collaboration between the public and private sectors, driving innovation, and realising our aspirations for the future.”
Read more: UAE space exploration soars to new heights: Mars and beyond
Key figures in attendance
The meeting was attended by several key figures, including His Excellency Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, UAE minister of Industry and Advanced Technology; His Excellency Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, UAE minister of Sports and Secretary-General of the Supreme Space Council; His Excellency Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, UAE minister of Economy; and His Excellency Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, UAE minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications.
Nurturing talent and building ecosystems
His Excellency Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi: “The Supreme Space Council is committed to integrating efforts to establish an advanced national framework that drives the achievement of our objectives under the leadership of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.”
He added: “The dynamic growth of the space sector reflects the UAE’s unwavering commitment to nurturing Emirati talent and preparing them to lead the future of space exploration. The UAE is also focused on fostering an integrated ecosystem that enhances collaboration among all stakeholders. Additionally, we are working on developing a flexible and attractive regulatory environment to encourage local, regional, and global investments, thereby promoting innovation and strengthening the competitiveness of the national space sector.”
Role of the private sector in space development
The meeting highlighted the pivotal role of the private sector in developing the space industry, noting that its spending is nearly equal to that of the public sector. This reflects the success of previously implemented initiatives to support economic growth, including the Space Economic Zones Program, which now includes over 200 private companies.
Pioneering achievements in space exploration
Furthermore, the UAE’s pioneering efforts in space exploration were underscored, with the nation becoming the first globally to launch a project to explore the asteroid belt and the first in the region to participate in the Artemis program and explore the moon. These achievements demonstrate the UAE’s ongoing commitment to supporting research and development in the space sector.
Upcoming space programs and developments
During the meeting, Sheikh Hamdan was briefed on upcoming space programs, including the Thuraya 4 satellite, scheduled for launch in December 2024, and the MBZ-SAT, currently under development by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, set for launch in January 2025.
Strategic plans and collaborations
Presentations from various sectors supporting the space industry were also featured, with the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology outlining its strategic plan to advance the space sector. Updates on the UAE Astronaut Program and the Lunar Gateway were shared, highlighting significant progress toward achieving national space initiatives.
Strengthening public-private partnerships
Space42 presented its latest developments and private sector initiatives, including the outcomes of the Bayanat and Yahsat merger, while outlining future plans to strengthen partnerships between public and private entities, aiming to enhance revenues and expand opportunities for growth and innovation within the space sector.
