UAE STRATEGY 2030: AIM FOR THE SPACE
abu dhabi — The UAE is aiming to become a model for countries seeking to launch ambitious space programmes, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has said. This came as the UAE Cabinet on Monday adopted the National Space Strategy 2030 that includes 79 projects in space science and research, in-space manufacturing and testing, and projects in the commercial space sector.
The strategy includes six objectives, 21 programmes and 79 initiatives, which translate into focus areas and programmes benefiting more than 85 entities in the UAE. The Emirates Space Agency is responsible for following up the implementation of the strategy in cooperation with strategic partners and more than 20 agencies and space centres abroad.
Sheikh Mohammed asserted that the UAE has established an “economic powerhouse” and advanced infrastructure by young Emirati talents. “Last year, we celebrated the launch of the first satellite fully built by young Emirati engineers, and in the very near future, we will see them operating international space technology centres based in the UAE. We will see Emirati cadres, highly skilled and specialised in space science, achieving scientific breakthroughs that serve the entire humanity,” he said.
“We are investing in the space industry, with ambitious projects and initiatives that will benefit our citizens and contribute to key
sectors of the national economy.”
The National Space Strategy aims at achieving the UAE’s vision in the field of space exploration, technologies, and applications. It also constitutes one of the pillars of the regulatory framework for the space sector in the country which consists of four components: National Space Policy, Space Sector Law, Space Regulations, and National Space Strategy.
The UAE seeks to establish a major global hub for space science and technology, through investing in building capabilities and creating a “scientific, legislative and financing environment” that is stimulating and attractive for space projects.
The strategy sets the general framework for the UAE’s space industry and activities, including government activities related to space, commercial activities, and scientific activities carried out by public and private sector operators and academic institutions and research and development centres.
The UAE today has four specialised centres in the research and development of space — all of them have manufacturing capabilities.
Emiratis represent more than 50 per cent of the workforce in these centres, with more than half of them being women. —