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, has announced the launch of the “International Space Cooperation Programme.” This initiative, unveiled during a recent council meeting, aims to allocate AED 1 billion to bolster international collaboration in space research and development. The programme aligns with the UAE’s vision of becoming a global hub for space technology and industry, enhancing its competitiveness in the global space economy.
Sheikh Hamdan emphasized the strategic importance of the space sector in fostering a knowledge-based economy. He stated that the programme will facilitate the localization of advanced technologies, empower national talent, and foster connections between local research institutions and their international counterparts. This initiative is designed to create projects with sustainable economic and technological impacts through high-quality partnerships focused on innovation and knowledge exchange.
Objectives of the International Space Cooperation Programme
The newly launched programme is part of the UAE’s broader strategic goals for the space sector. It aims to establish a flexible national space ecosystem that attracts investment while ensuring sustainability. This includes developing national capabilities, diversifying sources of knowledge and technology, and enhancing global leadership in space partnerships and market access.
Sheikh Hamdan reiterated the UAE’s commitment to solidifying its status among the world’s leading space economies, in line with the National Space Strategy 2031. This strategy, initiated by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, aims to double the returns from the space economy, increase the sector’s added value by 60%, and bolster national capabilities in research, development, and space manufacturing.
Building Global Partnerships
The International Space Cooperation Programme seeks to create an advanced model for international collaboration in space. It aims to forge strategic partnerships among research institutions, academic bodies, and both national and international companies. The goal is to accelerate the development of advanced space technologies, enhance knowledge transfer, and translate research outcomes into applications and industries that deliver sustainable economic value.
This initiative marks a new phase in the UAE’s leadership in space, focusing on the development of patents, localization of technologies, and training specialized talent. By concentrating on high-growth and high-impact sectors, the programme aims to convert innovation into integrated space industries with tangible economic benefits. It also seeks to create an attractive environment for top global talent and quality investments, thereby enhancing the UAE’s competitiveness in international markets.
The Global Space Economy’s Rapid Growth
During the council meeting, the significance of the programme was highlighted in the context of the expanding global space economy, which reached approximately $613 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to nearly $780 billion by 2033. This growth presents substantial opportunities for the UAE to enhance its presence in future space markets and technologies.
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 infrastructure necessary for a sustainable human presence on the Moon.
Dr. Hamadullah Mohib, Chief Executive Officer of Orbitworks, also presented the company’s capabilities in reinforcing the UAE’s position as a global leader in AI-powered space intelligence. He outlined plans to develop a sovereign satellite constellation that will be built and operated within the UAE, enhancing the country’s ability to capitalize on promising international opportunities and strengthen its global leadership in space intelligence.
The meeting included key figures such as 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; Lieutenant General Talal Humaid Belhoul, Vice Chairman of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre; Major General Staff Mubarak Saeed bin Ghafan Al Jabri, Assistant Undersecretary for Support and Defence Industries at the Ministry of Defence; Salem Butti Al Qubaisi, Director General of the UAE Space Agency; and Ibrahim Al Qasim, Deputy Director General of the Agency.
As reported by www.emirates247.com.
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Published on 2026-05-19 17:50:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk