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| The UAE Space Agency |
UAE Spends AED 44 Billion to Develop Space Sector
Dr. Ahmed Al Falasi, Minister of Sports and Chairman of the UAE Space Agency, confirmed that the UAE's space sector is witnessing rapid growth thanks to significant government support and increasing private sector involvement. He noted that total spending on this vital sector has reached approximately AED 44 billion to date.
In a statement to the Emirates News Agency (WAM) on the sidelines of the Dubai Airshow 2025 press conference, Al Falasi said that any country's success in the space sector depends primarily on empowering the private sector. He explained that "many countries started with massive government investments, but quickly worked to make the private sector an active partner in the process, and today we are following the same approach."
He added that the sector requires continued government support alongside that of private companies. He noted that in recent years, the government has shouldered the bulk of the burden, but today, national companies, whether large companies, startups, or small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), are assuming a greater role.
Al Falasi noted that the participation of Emirati SMEs at the Dubai Airshow has doubled compared to previous editions, and the pavilion space allocated to them has increased by more than 60%, reflecting the focus on expanding national participation and strengthening their international presence.
15 Heads of Global Space Agencies at the Show
Al Falasi revealed that the show is witnessing the participation of 15 heads of global space agencies this year, stressing that it represents a strategic platform for enhancing international cooperation in the field of space. He explained that the bilateral and trilateral meetings held on the sidelines of the event focus on building new scientific and industrial partnerships, in addition to informing international delegations of the capabilities of the UAE's private sector and opportunities for joint expansion in global markets.
National Companies Moving Toward Manufacturing Space Components
Regarding Emirati companies operating in the sector, Al Falasi noted that the majority of them are currently focused on space applications, particularly those that rely on artificial intelligence and data analysis technologies to serve urban planning, environmental monitoring, and measuring temperature and groundwater using satellite imagery. He explained that this phase represents a natural gateway for the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), before expanding into more advanced fields such as space component manufacturing and satellite operation.
Vision 2031: The UAE as a Global Space Center
Al Falasi emphasized that the UAE Space Agency continues to provide legislative frameworks and logistical support to national companies, including intellectual property protection for their innovations. He noted that the strategic goal is for the UAE to be among the top ten countries in the world in attracting and hosting space companies by 2031. He concluded by saying, "We seek to make the UAE a leading global center for space science and future technologies, and an effective force in the global space economy."
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