Hamdan bin Mohammed leads Supreme Space Council’s inaugural meeting

Photo: Dubai Government Media Office 

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, chaired the first meeting of the Supreme Space Council, where he reviewed the UAE's space sector achievements. During the meeting, Sheikh Hamdan praised the rapid growth of the national space sector and emphasized its transformation into a leader in the field within just a few years.

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He mentioned that the UAE’s space sector had undergone significant development, reaching a total investment of AED 40 billion in recent years. Spending on space exploration projects, particularly in research and development, had increased by 14.8% from the previous year. Sheikh Hamdan also highlighted the growth in the number of companies working in the space sector, with a 29% annual increase, and how the private sector is becoming an important contributor, with nearly half of the investments coming from private companies.

The UAE now leads five national projects aimed at exploring the moon, Mars, and the asteroid belt, which is a remarkable achievement. Sheikh Hamdan emphasized the importance of fostering collaboration between public and private sectors to drive innovation and ensure the future success of the sector. He expressed confidence that the UAE would continue to lead in space exploration, with highly skilled professionals ready to take on even more challenging scientific missions.

The meeting was attended by several prominent leaders, including Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, and Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports and Secretary-General of the Supreme Space Council. Also present were officials from the UAE Space Agency, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, and other key figures in the space and technology sectors.

Dr. Al Falasi emphasized the importance of integrating efforts across the UAE's space sector to build an advanced framework that would help achieve the nation's space exploration goals. He noted that the UAE’s space sector is growing rapidly due to investments in Emirati talent, fostering innovation, and creating a flexible regulatory environment that attracts both local and global investments.

The meeting also discussed the growing role of the private sector in space exploration, pointing out that spending from private companies is now nearly equal to that of the public sector. This shift reflects the success of initiatives like the Space Economic Zones Program, which now includes over 200 private companies.

Another key point discussed was the UAE’s international contributions to space exploration. The country has become the first in the world to launch a project aimed at exploring the asteroid belt, and it was also the first in the region to embark on a mission to explore the moon. These achievements are part of the UAE’s commitment to pushing forward with space research and development.

Looking ahead, the meeting also provided updates on upcoming space programs. One of the projects mentioned was the launch of the Thuraya 4 satellite, set for December 2024. Another major project discussed was the MBZ-SAT satellite, currently under development at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, which is scheduled to launch in January 2025.

Throughout the meeting, updates were shared from different sectors that support the space industry. The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology presented its strategic plan to advance the space sector, including addressing economic opportunities and challenges and aligning space growth with national priorities. The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre also shared progress on the UAE Astronaut Programme and the Lunar Gateway, two major initiatives aimed at strengthening the UAE’s position in space exploration.

Space42, a key private sector player, presented updates on its initiatives, including the recent merger of Bayanat and Yahsat. The presentation also highlighted plans for strengthening partnerships between public and private entities to drive innovation and expand opportunities in the space sector.

Overall, the meeting showcased the UAE's achievements in space exploration and its commitment to continuing growth in the sector through innovation, collaboration, and investment.