Hamdan bin Mohammed Launches AED 1 Billion International Space Cooperation Programme to Strengthen UAE’s Global Space Leadership
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Supreme Space Council, announced the launch of the “International Space Cooperation Programme” during a council meeting. This initiative is set to allocate AED 1 billion to bolster international collaboration in space research and development, reflecting the UAE’s ambition to enhance its status as a global hub for space technologies and industries.
Sheikh Hamdan emphasized that the space sector is pivotal for the UAE’s vision of a knowledge-driven economy. He stated that the programme aims to localize advanced technologies, empower national talent, and foster connections between local research institutions and their international counterparts. The initiative is designed to facilitate projects that yield sustainable economic and technological benefits through innovative partnerships and knowledge exchange.
Strategic Goals of the Programme
The launch of the International Space Cooperation Programme aligns with the UAE’s National Space Strategy 2031, which aims to double the returns of the space economy and increase the sector’s added value by 60%. Sheikh Hamdan noted that this strategy is crucial for strengthening national capabilities in research, development, and space manufacturing.
The programme is part of a broader framework aimed at creating a flexible national space ecosystem that attracts investment while ensuring sustainability. This includes diversifying knowledge and technology sources, enhancing global leadership in space partnerships, and developing world-class space infrastructure.
Building Global Partnerships
The programme seeks to establish strategic partnerships among research institutions, academic bodies, and both national and international companies. The objective is to accelerate the development of advanced space technologies, facilitate knowledge transfer, and convert research outcomes into economically viable applications and industries.
This initiative marks a significant step in the UAE’s leadership in the space sector, focusing on patent development, technology localization, and the training of specialized talent. By fostering an environment conducive to innovation, the UAE aims to create integrated space industries that have a tangible economic impact, thereby attracting top global talent and quality investments.
The Expanding Global Space Economy
The council meeting highlighted the importance of the programme in supporting the UAE’s national space economy amid the rapid growth of the global space sector. The global space economy was valued at approximately $613 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach nearly $780 billion by 2033. This growth presents substantial opportunities for the UAE to enhance its presence in emerging space markets and technologies.
During the meeting, Salem Humaid AlMarri, Director General of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, and Amer Al Sayigh Al Ghafri, Assistant Director General for Space Engineering at the Centre, provided updates on the UAE’s participation in the Artemis programme. They emphasized the country’s role in developing the necessary infrastructure to support a sustainable human presence on the Moon.
Dr. Hamadullah Mohib, Chief Executive Officer of Orbitworks, also presented the company’s capabilities in positioning the UAE as a leader in AI-powered space intelligence. He discussed plans for developing a sovereign satellite constellation that will be built and operated within the UAE, enhancing the nation’s ability to capitalize on promising international opportunities.
The meeting was attended by several key figures, including Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports and Secretary General of the Supreme Space Council; Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications; and other senior officials from the UAE Space Agency and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre.
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Published on 2026-05-19 17:50:00 • By the Editorial Desk
