The UAE has invested approximately AED44bn ($12bn) in its fast-growing space sector, as the country intensifies efforts to expand private sector participation and global collaboration, according to Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports and Chairman of the UAE Space Agency.
Dr Al Falasi said the UAE’s space industry is entering a new phase of maturity as private firms play an increasingly active role alongside government entities.
He said: “Many nations began with major government investments, but simultaneously empowered the private sector to become an active partner in this journey — and today, we are following the same approach”.
UAE space investments
He explained that while the sector still requires continued government backing, the roles of the public and private sectors have become increasingly complementary.
Dr Al Falasi said: “Over the past decade, the government bore most of the responsibility, but now we see the private sector taking on a greater role, from major corporations to the growing number of small and medium enterprises (SMEs)”.
He noted that Emirati private companies now have a strong presence at both local and international events.
At this year’s Dubai Airshow, SME participation has doubled compared with previous editions, while the pavilion area dedicated to them has expanded by more than 60 per cent, underscoring the UAE’s commitment to supporting national companies in the space field.
Dr Al Falasi said that UAE firms are expected to achieve wider international reach in the coming period, aided by the government’s strategic push to deepen global partnerships.
This year’s Dubai Airshow will host 15 heads of international space agencies, providing a key platform to advance cooperation across the global space industry.
He said: “On the government side, we are holding bilateral and trilateral meetings with space agencies worldwide to explore areas of collaboration, while also enabling these agencies to learn about the capabilities of the UAE’s private space sector and identify partnership opportunities”.
UAE Space Agency
Dr Al Falasi emphasised that international cooperation is essential for the success of the space industry, adding that the meetings held on the sidelines of the Airshow will pave the way for new agreements and partnerships that strengthen the UAE’s national space capabilities.
He highlighted that many Emirati companies currently focus on space applications using artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics to support local entities in areas such as urban planning, environmental monitoring and groundwater measurement.
These services rely on satellite imagery to provide accurate data for decision-makers.
Dr Al Falasi said this represents the natural first stage for SMEs entering the space industry, given the lower costs compared with satellite manufacturing.
However, several Emirati firms have now moved into advanced areas, including the production of space components and satellite operations.
“The role of the UAE Space Agency is to provide a supportive legislative framework and logistical assistance to these companies, as well as to facilitate their access to intellectual property protection for their innovative products,” he said.
Dr Al Falasi concluded that the UAE Space Agency’s strategic goal is to position the country among the world’s top ten destinations for space-related companies by 2031, reinforcing its status as a global hub for space sciences and future technologies.
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