Sheikh Hamdan Backs Private Sector Growth in UAE Space Industry
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, recently met with executives from leading UAE-based space startups. This meeting was part of ongoing efforts to expand the country’s private-sector-driven space economy.
In his role as Chairman of the UAE’s Supreme Space Council, Sheikh Hamdan emphasized the significance of long-term investment, innovation, and strategic public-private partnerships in establishing the UAE as a global hub for space activities. “The private sector is leading the space scene in the UAE, reaffirming the maturity of national investments that have been established over the past three decades,” Sheikh Hamdan stated.
The meeting marked a broader national initiative to support a high-tech, knowledge-driven economy, with a focus on utilizing space as a catalyst for sustainable economic growth. Executives from several UAE-based companies, specializing in areas such as satellite imaging, Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence, robotics, and space launch systems, participated in these discussions. Companies in attendance included 4EI, Oryx Space, Marlan Space, Aspire Space Technology, and Aliensense.
The participants shared updates regarding their commercial strategies, ongoing projects, and plans to expand their operations both domestically and internationally. A key area of focus was increasing collaboration with government entities and scaling investments within the country’s rapidly growing space sector.
UAE Primed to Support Private Sector Involvement in Space Sector
“The UAE has created a flexible regulatory framework and world-class infrastructure that support sustained private investment,” noted Dr. Hamdullah Mohib, CEO of Marlan Space. The attendees also commended government initiatives such as the Space Economic Zones Programme. This programme is designed to attract capital, talent, and advanced technology, further enhancing the country’s space sector capabilities.
The meeting saw the participation of senior officials, including Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Education and Secretary-General of the Supreme Space Council, alongside startup founders and CEOs from across the UAE.
Over recent years, the UAE has significantly expanded its presence in the global space sector through high-profile missions and investments. There is a growing focus on enabling a commercial ecosystem driven by local entrepreneurs and international partnerships. This strategic pivot aims to solidify the UAE’s position as a pivotal player in the global space industry while promoting private sector growth and innovation.
