Focus on sustainable space activity
Abu Dhabi Space Debate to bring together experts, world leaders
Revenues in the global space sector are expected to reach $1 trillion (Dh3.67 trillion) by 2040, and this is expected to drive growth and innovation in the industry.
The UAE is a leading Arab country in the space sector, and as it expands its footprint, the nation is also advocating for peaceful and sustainable space activity, top officials said at a press conference in Abu Dhabi, yesterday.
Towards that end, the upcoming Abu Dhabi Space Debate will deliberate on how the space sector can contribute further to development, climate action, water sustainability and technological advancement. It will also see experts review existing laws and legislation so that progress can be accelerated.
New players
“We’ve seen the space sector go from an area that was accessible to two major nations to a field in which nearly 70 nations have become players, in addition to numerous private companies. The UAE is therefore playing a crucial role in ensuring that countries move away from the competitive ‘space race’ and instead work collaboratively to use space research and technology to improve human life,” said Omran Sharaf, UAE Assistant Foreign Minister for Space and Technology Affairs.
Addressing media, Sarah Al Amiri, UAE Minister of State for Public Education and Advanced Technology, and the chairperson of the UAE Space Agency, said the UAE now has 19 satellites orbiting Earth, with 10 more under development.
“The UAE has already become the fifth country to reach the Mars orbit, and is one of four nations that have announced plans to reach the orbit of Venus, and to explore the asteroid belt beyond Mars, in a mission that is scheduled for launch in 2028. Our nation boasts more than 50 space companies and institutions, and has about 3,000 space experts. There are also more than five space research centres, and three universities with space programmes,” Al Amiri said.
Industry growth
Revenues in the global space sector are expected to reach $1 trillion (Dh3.67 trillion) by 2040, and this is expected to drive growth and innovation in the industry. Earlier this year, the UAE Space Agency announced a new Dh3 billion national investment and development fund for the space sector, The National Space Fund.