UAE participates at the 75th International Astronautical Congress

The UAE is participating with its first UAE Space Pavilion at the 75th International Astronautical Congress (IAC). The pavilion is designed to showcase and highlight the latest developments, leading projects, and milestones in the UAE’s national space sector. Additionally, it will shed light on the UAE’s ongoing efforts to support innovation, development, and sustainability in advanced space research. The 75th IAC is being held in Milan, Italy from October 14-18, 2024.

The UAE Space Pavilion at IAC brings together a host of public and private organisations, reflecting the UAE’s diverse and comprehensive space ecosystem. The participants include UAE Space Agency, Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, Technology Innovation Institute (TII), National Space Science and Technology Center, and Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences and Technology, along with Dubai Airshow.

Commenting on the participation, HE Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports and Chairman of UAE Space Agency, said: “The UAE’s participation in the IAC reflects its commitment to consolidating its position as a leading global hub for innovation in the space sector. This participation will open new horizons for international collaboration and exchange of expertise, while supporting the leadership’s visions and aspirations to achieve a comprehensive development in all sectors over the next 50 years and realise the UAE’s national strategies for economic diversification and technological advancement.”

HE Salem Butti Salem Al Qubaisi, Director General of the UAE Space Agency, added: “The UAE’s pavilion at IAC offers a comprehensive platform to showcase the nation space sector’s capabilities and highlight our leading milestones and ambitious future projects. The UAE has made major strides in space sector, through several initiatives as well as  regional and international strategic partnerships. The UAE also worked to promote knowledge exchange and public-private collaboration.”

“Our participation in the International Astronautical Congress reaffirms our commitment to supporting innovation and development within the UAE’s space sector while enhancing international cooperation in space research and exploration. Through the UAE Space Pavilion, we will showcase our achievements in space and highlight our future missions, which embody our ambitious aspirations. This event presents a vital opportunity to strengthen our relationship with international partners and exchange expertise. Such collaboration will drive sustainable development in the space sector and support the UAE’s ambitious vision in this vital field, both regionally and globally,” said H.E. Salem Humaid Al Marri, Director General, Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC).

Mr. Ali AlShehhi, Director of The National Space Science and Technology Center added “At The National Space Science and Technology Center (NSSTC), we are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of space science and technology. Our presence at IAC 2024, as part of the UAE Space Pavilion, highlights our strategic role in contributing to the UAE’s vision for space exploration and innovation on a global scale.”

His Excellency Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports and Chairman of UAE Space Agency will participate in the 14th International Astronautical Federation (IAF) Meeting for Ministers and Members of Parliament held under the theme “Space the Indispensable Ally for Decision-Makers.” His Excellency’s participation will highlight the UAE’s experience in this vital sector. The minister will also participate in the first IAF Space Leaders’ Summit, bringing together space agencies heads and decision makers, to discuss leveraging space technologies to ensure sustainability on Earth.

His Excellency will deliver a keynote speech at the main meeting of the Artemis Accords, which will focus on the participants’ work in this year’s workshop and setting priorities for the coming year. This will be done by enhancing the understanding of the principles outlined in the Artemis Accords and sharing best practices that can positively impact the peaceful exploration and use of space for the benefit of all humanity.

The UAE Space Pavilion at IAC will provide an overview of the UAE’s major projects, initiatives, and achievements in the space and sustainability sectors. Among the highlights are the Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt, the Space Data Center, the Geo-Spatial Analytics Platform,  the Space Economic Zone Program, the Space Analytics and Solutions (SAS) Program, and the Sirb satellite programme. The participation will also showcase the second edition of the Abu Dhabi Space Debate in December 2024, where global space industry leaders, nations, and decision-makers will come together to discuss and address challenges related to the growth and innovation of the sector.

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre will showcase the UAE Astronaut Programme and Emirates Lunar Mission’s key achievements, while also announcing updates about future missions, including the Emirates Airlock for the Gateway lunar space station, MBZ-SAT—the region’s most advanced satellite—and the Payload Hosting Initiative.

The NSSTC at UAEU will highlight satellite 813, the first pan-Arab project led by the UAE, the GNSSas program (Global Navigation Satellite System Augmentation Service), the Ground Station, which plays an essential role in space communications, data collection, and mission control that supports a variety of local and international space missions, contributing to the success of these operations. Additionally, The NSSTC will also provide an overview of its Assembly, Integration, and Testing (AIT) facility, which is equipped with cutting-edge technology to assemble, integrate, and test small- and medium-sized satellites according to the highest standards required for their launch.

The Dubai Airshow team will highlight the opportunities available to international space agencies and companies within the Space Pavilion at the Dubai Airshow 2025. This will help promote collaboration with aviation industry leaders, government officials, defense delegations, and investors from across the world.

Additionally, several leading technology and space companies from the Space Economic Zones are participating. The companies include, Madari Space Limited, Falcon Robotics, Ardhiyat Al Ibdaa Information Solution, Marshal Intech, Praxaus, 4 Earth Intelligence Environmental Consultancy LLC, and Orbital Space.

Meetings and agreement signings are planned to take place on the sidelines of the IAC, to promote international collaboration in the space sector, further enhancing the UAE’s position on the global space landscape and supporting its ambitious vision in this vital sector.