In a significant move to cement its status as a leading global space power, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Supreme Space Council, has chaired a meeting to review and launch a new, comprehensive strategic approach for the nation’s space sector.
The ambitious strategy is built on a clear vision: to position the United Arab Emirates among the world’s top ten space economies by 2031. To achieve this, the UAE aims to increase the value added by its space economy by 60%, double its overall returns, and significantly boost investment in national infrastructure and companies.
A Three-Pillared Vision for a Leading Space Ecosystem
The new strategic approach is structured around three core objectives designed to create a robust and competitive space industry:
- Creating an Agile, Investment-Friendly Hub: Establishing the UAE as a center with the most dynamic and attractive ecosystem for space investment.
- Leading in Global Partnerships: Positioning the nation as a global leader in forming strategic space partnerships and facilitating market access.
- Developing World-Class Infrastructure: Ensuring the country possesses cutting-edge space facilities and infrastructure that meet the highest international standards.
During the meeting, Sheikh Hamdan emphasized the critical role of the space sector. “The space sector represents one of the most strategic sectors on which the UAE relies to build a knowledge economy and is a driver for creating solutions and technologies that enhance the country’s readiness for global changes,” he stated.
Driving Growth Through Investment and National Capabilities
Sheikh Hamdan underscored that investment is essential to accelerate the growth of UAE space industries and strengthen their competitiveness. “The eagerness of leading international companies to take part in our national initiatives reflects the strong confidence they place in the UAE’s economic environment, regulatory framework and advanced infrastructure,” he noted.
The commitment to empowering national talent and enterprise is a cornerstone of the plan. “We seek to double investments in national space infrastructure assets and facilities. Further, we are directing efforts to double the number of national companies operating in space industries,” His Highness announced.
Proof of Progress: Space Economic Survey Reveals Strong Growth
The Council reviewed the results of a Space Economic Survey, which provided concrete evidence of the sector’s rapid expansion over the past five years. The findings revealed:
- A 49% increase in total public and private sector spending on space.
- A staggering ninefold increase in spending on space research and development since 2019, highlighting a strong focus on innovation.
- A 51% increase in the number of Emirati women working in the sector compared to the previous year, demonstrating the maturity of the UAE’s enabling environment and the leading role of women in future-focused sectors.
Launch of the National Space Industries Programme
To operationalize this strategic vision, the meeting saw the official launch of the National Space Industries Programme. This comprehensive initiative is designed to enhance the competitiveness of the UAE’s space sector through a multi-faceted package, including:
- Economic and investment policies to incentivize emerging and established space companies.
- Financial and operational support to ensure their growth and sustainability.
- Facilitated market access, providing opportunities for companies within national commercial contracts and access to the UAE’s advanced space facilities.
- Accelerated knowledge and technology transfer from public and private institutions.
The Programme has a clear target: to double both the number of companies operating in the space industry and the UAE’s space exports to global markets over the next five years.
This integrated strategy, backed by proven growth and a clear action plan, reaffirms the UAE’s unwavering commitment to developing an advanced, homegrown space industry capable of competing on the global stage and driving the nation’s future economic diversification.
