Today's Edition
Batool Ghaith (DUBAI)
The UAE Space Agency is positioning the country as a global leader in space innovation by actively fostering a robust space economy, supporting homegrown and international startups, and preparing the next generation of Emiratis for future missions.
Speaking to Aletihad during the Dubai Airshow, Ahmed Al Darei, Space Policies and Legislation Specialist at the UAE Space Agency, said these efforts are essential to ensuring that the UAE remains competitive and influential in the international space sector.
One of the key initiatives under the UAE Space Agency is the Space Economic Zone Programme, which Al Darei described as a transformational project selected by the UAE government due to its strategic importance.
The integrated programme supports space startups and SMEs to contribute to the national space economy through partnerships with various partners in the country.
He emphasised that the initiative offers a holistic support system, not only through promotion and marketing but also through access to stakeholders, investors, and dedicated working spaces.
"We support the entrepreneurs with acceleration and incubation programmes to grow their business," Al Darei said.
He also noted that the initiative plays a direct role in strengthening the national economy.
"For these companies to come from outside of the UAE and establish here, they need an attractive environment and initiatives that can support their growth," he said. "By enabling them, they will be the leaders for the economy here in the UAE, developing different projects and initiatives, and setting an example and success stories for other startups."
The success of the Emirates Mars Mission has already sparked increased interest, Al Darei noted.
"After the success of the Emirates Mars Mission, we had a huge rise in interest from different stakeholders, national and international, to come, participate and build here in the UAE," Al Darei said.
Apart from its emphasis on economic development, the agency is deeply focused on cultivating local talent. Through programmes like the Space Academy, it aims to identify and prepare passionate Emirati youth for future space missions.
"The Space Academy is an initiative developed by the Space Agency to prepare the next generation of Emiratis who are passionate about the space sector," he said.
Looking ahead, the UAE Space Agency is committed to several strategic priorities, including new missions and continued public-private cooperation, Al Darei added.
"We are working on a different mission called the Emirates Asteroid Belt Mission, which is our main focus for the next period," Al Darei said. The mission envisions a groundbreaking mission into the main asteroid belt to explore and study multiple asteroids.
The agency is also strengthening its international presence through diplomacy and cooperation.
"We have been working with national and international stakeholders. One of our mandates is promoting international space cooperation between the UAE and other countries," he said.
