The UAE is taking a bold step forward in its long-term space ambitions with a new programme that aims to strengthen the national space ecosystem, attract global investment, and push the country into the ranks of the world’s top 10 space economies by 2031. The announcement came during the second meeting of the Supreme Space Council, chaired by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Council.
Across Dubai and the wider UAE, technology-led transformation has accelerated in the past decade. From smart city mobility plans to major research investments, the country has consistently positioned itself as an early mover in emerging sectors. The space industry is now entering a similar growth phase, guided not just by national missions but by a long-term plan to develop a globally competitive commercial space market.
A New Beginning for Space in the UAE
The National Space Industries Programme marks a shift from milestone missions to building a long-lasting ecosystem that supports companies, research institutions, startups, and international partners. The aim is clear: grow the industry in a way that brings measurable economic value and creates new opportunities for businesses based in the country.
Sheikh Hamdan outlined the ambition with confidence. The UAE aims to increase the value of its space economy by 60 per cent, double total sector returns over the next few years, and significantly expand the number of companies participating in the industry. This includes both national firms and international players choosing the UAE as their base.
For a nation that entered the space sector only in recent years, the pace is remarkable. Dubai sees this growth as part of a wider strategy to diversify the economy beyond oil and increase the number of high-value industries operating in the Emirates.
The initiative also ties neatly into other national developments. Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah have been steadily expanding technology parks, research zones, and startup ecosystems that can easily support the space sector as it matures.
The Three Pillars Driving the Strategy
During the council meeting, the updated space strategy was reviewed in detail. It is built around three core directions that reflect both global opportunities and the UAE’s strengths.
Building the Region’s Most Competitive Space Market
At the centre of the new plan is a push to make the UAE a preferred global base for space companies. That means easier regulations, streamlined business setup, and better access to infrastructure. Investors and entrepreneurs are already familiar with the UAE’s reputation for fast government processes and business support, and this approach is now being extended to the space sector.
This is especially important as global space investment increases. Around the world, private companies are leading a new era of space development, often outpacing government-led initiatives. By creating a welcoming environment, the UAE positions itself to capture a share of this growing market.
Forming Strong Global Partnerships
The country has always believed in the power of collaboration. The Hope Probe to Mars was developed in partnership with respected global research institutions, giving UAE engineers hands-on experience while fostering trust with the international scientific community.
The new strategy doubles down on this approach. The government wants the UAE to be seen as a place where new ideas can be tested and advanced. Partnerships are expected to cover areas such as exploration, research, manufacturing, space-based services, and commercial missions.
This intention mirrors a broader vision visible across sectors in Dubai—from clean energy to urban development—where international cooperation is seen not as optional but essential to progress.
Developing Infrastructure That Meets Global Standards
No global space hub can succeed without the physical backbone needed to support missions and commercial services. The UAE is continuing to invest in mission control facilities, testing environments, development centres, data platforms, and advanced manufacturing capabilities.
These investments are designed to give companies everything they need in one place. Whether a business wants to design, build, operate, or commercialise space technologies, the UAE intends to provide a world-class environment where that can happen locally.
Private Companies to Play a Bigger Role
One of the most notable shifts in the strategy is the increasing focus on the private sector. Globally, commercial space companies are pushing boundaries—launching satellites, enabling space communication, and designing technology that was once limited to science fiction.
Sheikh Hamdan emphasised that the private sector will become a central engine in the UAE’s next space phase. The government wants more startups in the industry, more research-led companies, and more commercial services that can compete internationally.
In Dubai, this feels like a natural evolution. Over the past decade, the city has become a magnet for young founders and skilled professionals. Coworking spaces, tech accelerators, and digital business zones make it easier than ever to launch and grow a new company. The space sector is now expected to benefit from the same entrepreneurial energy.
Spending and Activity Are Rising
A recent economic survey shows just how fast the sector has expanded already. Investment in space—across public and private entities- has grown by 49 per cent over the last five years. Even more striking is the growth in research and development, which has increased nine times since 2019.
This is a strong indicator of the UAE’s commitment. Increased spending on R&D suggests a deeper focus on homegrown innovation, training, and technology development—not just participation in space missions. It also reflects a growing pool of talent entering space science in the country. Universities and research centres are offering specialised programmes that would not have existed a decade ago.
Dubai’s younger generation benefits directly. New careers are opening in mission planning, data analysis, AI applications, space research, communication security, advanced engineering, and scientific problem-solving. These are opportunities that align perfectly with the UAE’s long-term vision for a knowledge-led economy.
The UAE has shown time and again that long-term planning and strong execution can transform entire sectors. From aviation to tourism to mobility, the country has proven that strategic investment, supportive regulations, and international cooperation can produce global results.
The space sector looks like the next major chapter in this story. If the goal of reaching the world’s top 10 space economies by 2031 is achieved, the UAE would stand alongside nations that have been in the industry for decades. It would also cement the country’s role as a leader in advanced science and future industries, something that will influence generations to come.
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