UAE’s space journey has captured global attention

Q&A with Salem Butti Salem Al Qubaisi, Director General, UAE Space Agency

Salem Butti Salem Al Qubaisi, Director General, UAE Space Agency

Question: The UAE’s space journey has captured global attention. What defines its current trajectory and long-term ambitions?

Salem Butti Salem Al Qubaisi: The UAE’s rapid rise in the space sector is rooted in a bold, forward-thinking vision – one that has moved us from launching Earth observation satellites to exploring deep space. The Emirates Mars Mission (EMM) and now the Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt (EMA) signal a commitment to scientific discovery that contributes to global knowledge. EMA will explore seven asteroids, offering critical insights into the origins of our solar system and the potential for future resource utilisation in space.

Beyond scientific achievement, we are building national self-reliance in propulsion, robotics, and mission science while contributing to international programmes like NASA’s Lunar Gateway. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to cement the UAE’s role in shaping humanity’s interplanetary future.

Question: How is the UAE Space Agency building a globally competitive space ecosystem?

Salem Butti Salem Al Qubaisi: Through initiatives like the AED 3 billion National Space Fund and the Space Economic Zones, we are creating the conditions for a thriving space economy. These platforms provide Emirati and international start-ups with access to capital, infrastructure, and mentoring, enabling them to participate in flagship missions like EMA – where 50% of mission components are allocated to private sector companies.

Our collaboration with academia and industry is equally vital. Programmes such as the National Space Academy provide mission-ready training for Emirati youth. We also fund research partnerships with universities, support internships, and work with local institutions like the Technology Innovation Institute (TII), which is developing the EMA lander. It’s a full ecosystem – from ideation to execution.

Question: How do international partnerships and diplomacy accelerate your goals?

Salem Butti Salem Al Qubaisi: Global cooperation is central to our success. Strategic partnerships with NASA, European Space Agency (ESA), Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), and other regional and global space entities provide us with access to advanced technologies and hands-on training. These relationships not only enhance our technical capabilities but also strengthen our diplomatic standing.

We hosted the Artemis Accords workshop in May 2025, aligning over 30 nations on peaceful and sustainable space exploration. As a signatory, we champion responsible governance in space and actively contribute to multilateral platforms. The Abu Dhabi Space Debate, for example, brings together global stakeholders to shape the future of the space economy and policy.

Question: What role does the space sector play in advancing the UAE’s national priorities?

Salem Butti Salem Al Qubaisi: The space sector is a core pillar of the UAE’s strategy for economic diversification, sustainability, and youth empowerment. It is creating new high-tech industries and attracting foreign investment, while supporting climate monitoring, food security, and disaster response through Earth observation technologies. These align with national development strategies.

The AED 3 billion National Space Fund and the Space Economic Zones play a key role in advancing the UAE’s economic diversification by fostering a knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy. The fund supports the development of cutting-edge space technologies, encourages private sector participation, and attracts global investment in the space industry. Meanwhile, the Space Economic Zones provide infrastructure and regulatory support to nurture startups and international companies in the space sector, generating high-skilled jobs and positioning the UAE as a regional hub for space innovation beyond its traditional oil-based economy.

Furthermore, the Space Data Centre contributes to youth empowerment in the UAE by providing access to real-time satellite data and advanced analytics tools, enabling young professionals and researchers to engage in meaningful, hands-on projects that address real-world challenges.

Through initiatives like the Space Academy, the Centre equips youth with practical skills in data analysis, remote sensing, and AI applications in space science, cultivating a generation of Emirati talent capable of leading space innovation. By supporting the development of technical expertise and building national space capabilities, the Centre empowers youth to actively contribute to the UAE’s growing space sector and its broader scientific and economic goals.

Question: Why is it important for space to feature prominently at the Dubai Airshow?

Salem Butti Salem Al Qubaisi: The Dubai Airshow provides a global stage to showcase the convergence of aviation, defence, and space. Featuring space prominently not only reinforces the UAE’s growing stature as a space-faring nation, but also opens doors to global cross-sector collaboration, investment, and innovation.

For us, it’s about reinforcing the message that space is not a distant frontier - it’s a present-day driver of economic opportunity, scientific advancement, and global partnerships.

Question: How is the UAE Space Agency fostering regional cooperation in space?

Salem Butti Salem Al Qubaisi: Launched in 2019, the Arab Space Cooperation Group brings together 14 Arab nations with the aim of uniting efforts in space science, technology, and policy. As the founding member and host, the UAE plays a pivotal role in facilitating collaboration, sharing expertise, and promoting joint missions that serve common development goals. This platform allows the UAE to contribute to aligning the region’s space ambitions and building a foundation for the sustainability of the space sector.

Funded and led by the UAE, with contributions from engineers and scientists across the Arab region, the 813 Satellite is designed to monitor environmental and climate-related challenges such as desertification, air pollution, and agricultural productivity. This project is a clear example of how space can stimulate shared responsibility and innovation in addressing the region’s most pressing challenges.