UAE Supreme Space Council reviews key achievements and future plans for space sector

The UAE’s Supreme Space Council held its inaugural meeting to review the major economic milestones achieved by the country’s space sector and discuss future plans for expansion, according to the Emirates News Agency.

The UAE’s space sector has experienced an extraordinary transformation, recording rapid progress and attracting significant investment. Over the past few years, the sector's total investments have reached AED 40 billion, with research and development spending on space exploration projects rising by 14.8% year-on-year. The number of companies operating within the sector has grown by 29% annually, with 44.3% of funding coming from private sector investments, underscoring its increasingly vital role, according to WAM.

The Council highlighted the UAE's leadership in five national space projects aimed at exploring the moon, Mars, and the asteroid belt. These efforts have been enabled by the development of a highly skilled Emirati workforce and the execution of ambitious exploration programs, WAM reported.

The meeting focused on plans to strengthen public-private collaboration, foster innovation, and increase the sector's global competitiveness. Key projects include the Thuraya 4 satellite, scheduled for launch in December 2024, and the MBZ-SAT, being developed by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, set for launch in January 2025.

The role of the private sector was a central point of discussion, with spending now nearly on par with the public sector. Initiatives such as the Space Economic Zones Programme, which now includes over 200 private companies, have been crucial in driving economic growth and stimulating innovation.

The Council also reviewed the UAE’s international contributions, including its pioneering asteroid belt exploration project and participation in the Artemis program, cementing its position as a regional leader in space exploration.

Strategic presentations during the meeting showcased plans to advance the space and defense economy, align sector growth with national priorities, and enhance acquisition strategies to develop the UAE’s space capabilities. Updates on the UAE Astronaut Programme and Lunar Gateway projects were also shared, reinforcing continued progress toward the country’s long-term space ambitions.

The UAE remains committed to building an integrated, innovation-driven space ecosystem, ensuring its role as a leader in global space exploration and technology.