UAE Showcases Vision for Sustainable Space at 76th International Astronautical Congress in Sydney
The United Arab Emirates is making a major impression at the 76th International Astronautical Congress (IAC), taking place in Sydney, Australia, under the theme: “Sustainable Space: Resilient Earth.” Represented by the UAE Space Agency, Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), and a host of national companies and organizations, the UAE’s participation underlines its ongoing commitment to international collaboration and expanding opportunities in the global space sector.
According to Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sport and Chair of the UAE Space Agency, this involvement “reflects the UAE’s steadfast commitment to supporting the sustainability of the space sector and enhancing international cooperation in this field to serve our nations and humanity.” He further emphasized the importance of the IAC as a “platform for exchanging knowledge, experience and expertise among countries and institutions involved in developing the future of space.”
Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi leads the UAE delegation through three crucial engagements at the IAC: the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) International Meeting for Ministers and Members of Parliaments (MMOP), the Artemis Accords signatory meeting, and the IAF Global Space Leaders’ Summit. The UAE Space Agency will chair the Artemis Accords signatory meeting, which involves 55 member states in collaboration with NASA and the Australian Space Agency—a defining moment to review the Abu Dhabi Workshop outcomes and discuss the operationalization of the Accords’ principles.
At the Global Space Leaders’ Summit, Dr. Al Falasi will conduct key dialogues with top officials and industry leaders, helping steer the evolution of global space policy and highlighting the UAE’s proactive role.
At the IAC, the UAE’s pavilion brings together government agencies, private sector innovators, research centers, and academic institutions. Salem Butti Al Qubaisi, Director-General of the UAE Space Agency, describes this as “an integrated system that unites government, private companies, research centres and academic institutions in one collaborative framework,” showcasing the UAE’s “advanced capabilities and diverse projects.”
He added, “our participation at IAC represents a significant opportunity to strengthen international collaboration, build strategic partnerships and exchange knowledge with leading global space agencies.”
The national ecosystem for space is further bolstered by the efforts of Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC). Its Director-General, Salem Humaid Al Marri, stated, “we have built a comprehensive ecosystem that integrates sustainability into every programme… these initiatives are part of a deliberate national vision to position the UAE as a key contributor to a sustainable future in space.” He affirmed the significance of the UAE’s presence at IAC, underscoring its contribution to defining a future of exploration that protects the space environment for generations.
Key partners at the UAE pavilion include Technology Innovation Institute (TII), the Federal Geographic Information Centre (FGIC), the National Space Science and Technology Centre, Fazaa (a national space startup), and various businesses from the Space Economic Zones Programme. Together, they are presenting innovative projects that demonstrate the UAE’s drive for innovation and cultivation of local talent.
Dr. Elias Tsoutsanis, Chief Researcher at TII’s Propulsion and Space Research Centre, affirmed: “Our participation in the UAE Space Pavilion at IAC reflects TII’s commitment to advancing sovereign capabilities in propulsion and space sciences, while strengthening collaboration across the national space ecosystem and reinforcing partnerships with the global space community.”
The UAE pavilion places particular focus on national projects and initiatives in the space sector, including space applications intended to preserve the environment, optimize resource management, and respond to challenges such as climate change and natural disasters. Visitors have the opportunity to learn about the UAE’s progressive vision of utilizing space technologies to benefit humanity.
During the congress, MBRSC experts and astronauts—including Dr. Sultan Saif AlNeyadi, Hazzaa AlMansoori, and Nora AlMatrooshi—are leading sessions on their experiences in the UAE Astronaut Programme. These engagements foster international exchange and showcase the human side of space exploration. Additional panels address pioneering projects, cultural advancements, and the innovative Gateway programme.
Meanwhile, the UAE Space Agency is hosting a panel on “Leveraging Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies to Drive Innovation and Economic Impact in Space“, reinforcing the country’s leadership in cutting-edge space technologies.
The International Astronautical Congress is recognized as the world’s largest assembly of space sector professionals, serving as a vital platform for advancing the sustainability of space activities. As the UAE cements its reputation as a global hub for space innovation, its contributions at the IAC are pivotal in shaping a resilient, cooperative, and sustainable future in space.
Team V.4-EM-UAE
