ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports and Chairman of the UAE Space Agency, will lead the UAE delegation to the 77th International Astronautical Congress in Antalya, Türkiye, from October 5 to 9, the agency said in a statement.
The UAE delegation will include government entities, research institutions and national companies.
Its participation will focus on strengthening international partnerships, expanding scientific and technological cooperation and supporting the growth of the national space economy.
“As part of delivering on the targets of the National Space Strategy 2031, the UAE continues to construct a national space sector that translates scientific and technological progress into competitive industries, economic and investment opportunities, international partnerships and innovative solutions,” Al Falasi said.
The National Space Strategy 2031 aims to place the UAE among the world’s 10 leading space economies. Its targets include increasing the space economy’s value added by 60%, doubling revenue and investment in space infrastructure and expanding the number of national companies and start-ups.
Al Falasi will participate in a session on space entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystems. Salem Butti Al Qubaisi, Director-General of the UAE Space Agency, will take part in discussions on using satellite data and space-based solutions to strengthen disaster resilience, emergency response and climate action.
Al Falasi will also receive an award from the International Astronautical Federation on behalf of the International Charter: Space and Major Disasters, which is currently chaired and led by the UAE Space Agency.
The UAE Space Agency and Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre will lead the UAE Space Pavilion at the congress. Participants will include the Technology Innovation Institute, the National Space Science and Technology Centre, FADA, Orbitworks, Dubai Airshow and seven companies supported by the Space Economic Zones programme.
The pavilion will showcase the Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt, the Emirates Mars Mission, the SIRB satellite programme, Arab Satellite 813, the GIQ platform and the National Space Academy.
Members of the Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt team will also deliver nine oral and interactive presentations during the congress’s technical programme.