The UAE has launched a new international cooperation initiative to strengthen its position as a global hub for space technologies and industries while expanding its role in the rapidly growing global space economy.

Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, and Chairman of the Supreme Space Council, directed the launch of the International Space Cooperation Program, which allocates $272 million to support international partnerships in space research and development.

The announcement was made during a meeting of the Supreme Space Council chaired by Sheikh Hamdan.

According to Sheikh Hamdan, the UAE’s space sector represents a strategic pillar in the country’s transition toward a knowledge- and innovation-based economy.

He said the program is designed to localize advanced technologies, develop national talent, and strengthen collaboration between UAE research institutions and international counterparts through projects that generate sustainable economic and technological value.

The initiative also seeks to expand partnerships focused on innovation and expertise exchange while reinforcing the UAE’s position among the world’s leading space economies, in line with the objectives of the National Space Strategy 2031.

Launched by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the strategy aims to double the returns of the national space economy, increase the sector’s added value by 60%, and strengthen local capabilities in space research, development, and manufacturing.

Officials said the International Space Cooperation Program is intended to support the UAE’s broader strategic vision for the sector by building a resilient national space ecosystem capable of attracting investment and supporting long-term sustainability through capability development.

The strategy also focuses on diversifying sources of knowledge and technology, expanding international partnerships and market access, and developing space infrastructure aligned with global standards.

The program is expected to create new models for international collaboration through partnerships involving research institutions, universities, and national and international companies.

Officials added that the initiative aims to accelerate the development of advanced space technologies, strengthen knowledge transfer, and convert research outcomes into commercially viable applications and industries.

The program also marks a new phase in the UAE’s space sector development through a stronger focus on patent creation, technology localization, and specialized workforce development. It additionally targets high-growth sectors designed to transform innovation into integrated space industries with measurable economic impact.

The initiative is also intended to attract global talent and investment, strengthen the UAE’s competitiveness in international markets, and expand its participation in the global space economy.

Officials said the global space sector reached an estimated $613 billion in 2024 and is projected to approach $780 billion by 2033.

During the meeting, Salem Humaid Al Marri and Amer Al Sayegh Al Ghaferi presented updates on the UAE’s participation in the Artemis program, including the country’s contribution to infrastructure supporting a sustained human presence on the moon.

Separately, Hamdullah Mohib, Chief Executive Officer of Orbitworks, outlined plans for a sovereign satellite constellation built and operated in the UAE. He said the initiative could strengthen the country’s position in AI-enabled space intelligence and global space-based intelligence markets.