The UAE's New Space Strategy

The UAE has rapidly developed its space programme from a series of scientific missions into a growing economic sector. Following achievements such as the Hope Probe’s journey to Mars and the development of the UAE Astronaut Programme, the country is increasingly focusing on the economic opportunities created by space technology. Investment in the UAE space sector has reached approximately AED 40 billion, while commercial spending has continued to grow. The government now aims to establish the UAE as one of the world’s ten largest space economies by 2031.

To guide this development, the government approved the National Space Strategy 2031. The strategy focuses on attracting investment, expanding access to international markets and developing competitive space infrastructure. By 2031, the UAE aims to double the revenues of its space economy, the number of national space companies, UAE-based space startups and the number of export markets reached by the sector. This represents a shift towards viewing space not only as a field of scientific exploration, but also as a potential source of long-term economic growth.

Additionally, the government established the National Space Fund, an AED 3 billion initiative managed by the UAE Space Agency. The fund supports Emirati and international companies working in space engineering, science and research. It also aims to develop infrastructure, attract specialised international companies and encourage partnerships between UAE businesses and global technology companies. Through these investments, the government hopes to increase the space sector’s contribution to the diversification of the national economy.

To encourage the development of private businesses, the UAE Space Agency also introduced the Space Economic Zones programme. Companies participating in the programme can access workspaces, laboratories, funding opportunities, incubation programmes and government services. Startups can also participate in national projects, helping smaller companies enter an industry traditionally dominated by governments and large corporations. By supporting the commercialisation of space technology, these zones aim to create a more sustainable private space industry within the UAE.

The country is also beginning to develop technology domestically. In 2025, plans were announced for a commercial satellite manufacturing facility in Abu Dhabi, which will allow Synthetic Aperture Radar satellites to be designed, assembled and tested within the UAE. These satellites can produce images of the Earth in different weather and lighting conditions, with applications including environmental monitoring and disaster response. Developing this technology locally could allow the UAE to become an exporter of space technology rather than simply a consumer of it.

However, the development of a space economy will depend on whether these investments can create commercially successful industries. Government funding has played a significant role in establishing the sector, but a sustainable space economy will also require private companies capable of developing technologies and services that can compete internationally. The UAE’s success will therefore be measured not only by future missions into space, but by whether its investment in exploration can generate businesses, expertise and economic value on Earth.