Sheikh Hamdan Unveils Ambitious Growth Strategy for UAE Space Sector
<p>The United Arab Emirates has set a powerful new direction for the future of its space programme, as <strong>Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum</strong>, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council, announced a major strategic plan aimed at dramatically expanding the nation’s space sector over the coming years.</p><p>During a meeting of the <strong>Supreme Space Council</strong>, Sheikh Hamdan confirmed that the UAE is taking significant steps to elevate its space industry, with clear national goals focused on strengthening innovation, economic growth and global competitiveness. The newly approved strategy will play a crucial role in shaping the next phase of the UAE’s journey into advanced space exploration and technology.</p><h3><strong>Plan to Double Investments and Increase Economic Output</strong></h3><p>As part of the newly adopted framework, the UAE’s space economy is expected to <strong>increase its added economic value by 60%</strong>, a milestone that demonstrates the nation’s growing role in the global space environment. The strategic roadmap also includes a commitment to <strong>double the investments and revenues generated by the space sector</strong>, reinforcing the UAE’s status as one of the fastest-emerging players in space science and technology.</p><p>The goal is to position the UAE among the <strong>top 10 space economies in the world by 2031</strong>, leveraging national capabilities, scientific talent, and advanced industrial ecosystems.</p><h3><strong>Insights from the National Space Survey</strong></h3><p>Speaking on his official platform on X (formerly Twitter), Sheikh Hamdan shared details from the <strong>National Space Survey</strong>, which evaluated the achievements and progress made over the past five years. The results confirmed significant advancements in satellite development, space missions, research capabilities and cooperation with leading international agencies.</p><p>Sheikh Hamdan highlighted that these achievements have laid a strong foundation for even more ambitious goals, pointing to the UAE’s expanding list of milestones — including the <strong>Emirates Mars Mission</strong>, the <strong>Lunar Rover project (Rashid Rover)</strong> and the astronaut programme featuring missions to the International Space Station.</p><h3><strong>Driving Growth Through the National Space Industries Programme</strong></h3><p>The Supreme Space Council also reviewed the <strong>National Space Industries Programme</strong>, a long-term initiative aimed at accelerating growth across the UAE’s space ecosystem. The programme will support local companies, encourage private sector participation, and cultivate emerging businesses specializing in satellite technologies, space data, robotics, and deep-space research.</p><p>Sheikh Hamdan emphasized that the UAE is entering a new era of scientific and economic development inspired by the forward-looking vision of the leadership, including <strong>President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan</strong> and <strong>His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum</strong>, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and ruler of Dubai.</p><p>“<strong>Space is a new chapter in the UAE’s journey of leadership</strong>,” Sheikh Hamdan said, reaffirming the nation’s commitment to shaping the future of innovation. He added that the UAE sees space exploration not only as a scientific pursuit, but also as a driver of <strong>economic diversification, global cooperation and knowledge transformation</strong>.</p><h3><strong>A Future of Unlimited Possibilities</strong></h3><p>The UAE’s investment in the space sector has expanded rapidly in the last decade. The country has already achieved a number of firsts for the Arab region: the first interplanetary mission to Mars, the first Arab astronaut to serve on the ISS, and the deployment of locally built satellites including DubaiSat, KhalifaSat and MBZ-SAT.</p><p>With the newly approved strategy in place, the UAE now enters a phase focused on <strong>commercial growth, industrial capability building, and large-scale research and manufacturing infrastructure</strong> development. The plan is expected to create new job opportunities for scientists, engineers and space professionals while attracting global talent and international partnerships.</p><p>Analysts believe that the UAE’s proactive investment in space aligns with long-term national agendas such as <strong>UAE Centennial 2071</strong>, which prioritizes knowledge-driven economic growth and leadership in advanced technology sectors.</p><h3><strong>Global Leadership Ambition</strong></h3><p>With this ambitious roadmap, the UAE is preparing to compete with established global space powers while opening pathways for regional collaboration. Industry experts note that the strategy sets a benchmark for emerging space economies and reinforces the UAE’s identity as a hub for innovation and scientific excellence.</p><p>The coming years are expected to bring new exploration missions, research breakthroughs, and industrial-scale space manufacturing, marking a transformative era in the Arab world’s space ambitions.</p>