Hamdan bin Mohammed Strengthens UAE’s Global Space Leadership with AED1 Billion International Space Cooperation Programme
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Supreme Space Council, has announced the launch of the International Space Cooperation Programme during a recent council meeting. This initiative allocates AED1 billion to foster international collaboration in space research and development, underscoring the UAE’s ambition to solidify its status as a global hub for space technologies and industries.
Strategic Importance of the Space Sector
Sheikh Hamdan emphasized that the UAE’s space sector is pivotal to the nation’s knowledge-based and innovation-driven economy. He articulated that the new programme aims to localize advanced technologies, empower national talent, and connect UAE research institutions with international counterparts. This will be achieved through projects designed to have sustainable economic and technological impacts, alongside partnerships focused on innovation and expertise exchange.
The Crown Prince also highlighted the necessity of ongoing efforts to elevate the UAE’s standing among the world’s leading space economies. This aligns with the recently launched National Space Strategy 2031, which aims to double the returns of the space economy, increase the sector’s added value by 60%, and nurture national capabilities in space research, development, and manufacturing.
Building a Resilient National Space Ecosystem
The International Space Cooperation Programme is a key component of the UAE’s strategic vision for the space sector. It aims to create a resilient national space ecosystem that attracts investment while ensuring sustainability through the development of local capabilities. The strategy focuses on diversifying sources of knowledge and technology, enhancing global leadership in space partnerships, and developing infrastructure that meets the highest international standards.
This programme is designed to establish an advanced model for international space cooperation, fostering strategic partnerships among research institutions, academic entities, and both national and global companies. The goal is to accelerate the development of cutting-edge space technologies, facilitate knowledge transfer, and convert research outcomes into economically viable applications and industries.
Advancing Technological Innovation
The programme marks a new phase in the UAE’s leadership within the space sector, concentrating on patent development, technology localization, and the qualification of specialized talent. It prioritizes sectors that are high-growth and high-impact, facilitating the transformation of innovation into integrated space industries with significant economic implications. This initiative aims to create an environment that attracts top global talent and high-quality investments, thereby enhancing the UAE’s competitiveness in international markets.
The meeting underscored the programme’s role in bolstering the national space economy, particularly as the global space sector continues to expand. The sector 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.
Updates on International Collaborations
Salem Humaid Al Marri, Director-General of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, along with Amer Al Sayegh Al Ghaferi, Assistant Director General of the Aerospace Engineering Sector at the same center, provided updates on the UAE’s participation in the Artemis programme. They highlighted the nation’s contributions to developing the infrastructure necessary for a sustained human presence on the moon.
Dr. Hamdullah Mohib, CEO of Orbitworks, discussed the company’s potential to position the UAE as a global leader in AI-enabled space intelligence. He outlined a vision for a sovereign satellite constellation that would be built and operated in the UAE, aiming to capture significant international opportunities and establish a leading capability in space-based intelligence.
Key Attendees and Future Directions
The meeting was attended by several notable 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 Lieutenant General Talal Humaid Belhoul, Vice President of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre. Other attendees included Major General Dr. Mubarak Saeed bin Ghafan Al Jabri, Assistant Under-Secretary for Support and Defence Industries at the Ministry of Defence, Salem Butti Al Qubaisi, Director-General of the UAE Space Agency, and Ibrahim Hamza Al Qasim, Deputy Director-General of the UAE Space Agency.
The International Space Cooperation Programme represents a significant step forward in the UAE’s commitment to advancing its space sector and enhancing its global standing.
Source: www.zawya.com
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Published on 2026-05-19 19:19:00 • By the Editorial Desk
