UAE space sector keen to be on international map

The news came as the UAE Space Agency (UAESA) board of directors, chaired by HE Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, minister of education and chairman of UAESA, held its first meeting of 2024.

They discussed updates in the national space sector, emphasising strategic projects to enhance its contribution to the economy.

Discussions also included the progress of the Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt (EMA) and the Emirates Mars Mission (EMM) Hope probe, as well as initiatives to empower local private sector entities and support Emirati startups.

Al Falasi said: “We are keen to strengthen the country’s presence on the international space map, by continuing to build, develop and empower national capabilities in space science.

“At the same time, we are working to strengthen strategic cooperation frameworks with our partners at the local and international levels in implementing major space missions in line with our strategy aimed at achieving impactful scientific and technological achievements that benefit humanity.

“Investment in the field of space is an investment in the future of the nation and the future of its children, as this vital sector represents an engine that drives the wheel of innovation, and creates new and diverse opportunities for sustainable economic growth.”

The UAE Space Agency has also launched the Space Economic Zones programme, which includes establishing six space zones in the country, to support emerging, small and medium-sized companies, and stimulate the national economy in the space sector.

The programme now has 13 strategic partners, while the number of companies participating has reached more than 180 over the past two years.

The agency also announced the establishment of a National Space Fund worth AED3bn ($0.82bn) to enhance the investments of entrepreneurs and private sector companies and work on future space activities and projects.

During the past few years, the UAE Space Agency has appointed 70 per cent of National Space Academy graduates in the sector, as part of its strategy to invest in qualifying specialised national groups.