UAE space economy grows 27.1% to $1.5 billion

The UAE’s space economy recorded a 27.1% increase in total spending to $1.5 billion in 2024, according to the latest Space Economic Survey released by the UAE Space Agency in collaboration with the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC).

The findings were announced at the Space Economic Survey Workshop in Dubai and are based on the 2025 survey, which measures economic activity during the previous year.

Commercial-sector expenditure reached $719 million, accounting for 48% of total spending. The figures highlight the growing role of private-sector investment alongside government funding in the UAE’s space industry.

The survey also recorded an increase in employment across the sector, with the number of women working in the industry rising by 83.9%.

Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports and Chairman of the UAE Space Agency, said the sector’s economic value added was growing at more than twice the rate of spending, reflecting expanding commercial activity, sustained government investment and a broader national talent base.

“Our priority is to build on this momentum by attracting investment, enabling UAE-based companies to compete internationally and developing the talent needed to drive the sector’s growth,” he said.

The survey recorded 1,495 Emiratis employed in the space sector, a 27.9% increase from the previous survey.

The number of employees aged between 15 and 35 reached 1,333, up 29.5%. Women accounted for 33.5% of the sector’s workforce, following an 83.9% increase in female employment. The figures point to a growing talent base as the UAE seeks to strengthen domestic capabilities and expand participation in its space industry.

The survey supports the implementation of the National Space Strategy 2031, which aims to place the UAE among the world’s 10 largest space economies and increase the sector’s economic value added by 60% and double revenues.

It also targets greater investment, more UAE-based space companies and startups, and expanded export markets.

The annual Space Economic Survey measures the sector’s economic contribution, including activity by organisations using space-derived data. Its findings are presented to the Supreme Space Council to inform policy and investment priorities.

The Dubai workshop also launched the 2026 survey, which will assess 2025 activity. Data collection runs until December 2026, with results expected in October 2027.

Hanan Ahli, Managing Director of the FCSC, said the survey provides policymakers with data on investment, spending, employment and economic contribution to guide future development. The initiative also supports the UAE’s Comprehensive GDP Revision Program, which aims to improve economic data and coverage of emerging sectors.