From October 14–18 in Milan, Italy
The UAE concluded its participation in the 75th International Astronautical Congress (IAC) with great success and wide engagement. The leading event was held in Milan, Italy, from October 14 to 18, 2024. For the first time, the UAE participated with a dedicated space pavilion, presenting the latest milestones and key projects in the national space sector. The pavilion also highlighted the UAE’s leadership in advancing space innovation, development, and sustainability.
The UAE Space Pavilion saw a remarkable engagement, welcoming numerous delegations, high-ranking officials, and over 4,000 visitors from around the world, including astronauts, scientists, researchers, and officials from space agencies. This impressive turnout reflects the growing global interest in the UAE’s achievements in space and its pivotal role in the sector on the international stage. The UAE Space Pavilion at IAC 2024 also won the “Best Design” award.
During the congress, Emirati experts and organizations presented 15 scientific papers and delivered more than 20 sessions, offering insights into the UAE’s space initiatives and its role in promoting space exploration and technological progress, the UAE Space Pavilion also witnessed the signing of five MoUs to strengthen the UAE’s strategic collaborations.
“The International Astronautical Congress offered a pioneering platform to consolidate the UAE’s global position in space exploration. It provided us with the opportunity to connect with key international decision-makers and industry leaders, helping to advance our efforts to build a knowledge-based economy and contribute to sustainable development. This event plays a significant role in realizing our long-term, future goals in space exploration and further driving scientific and technological progress, in line with the UAE’s leadership’s vision to ensure the sustainable development of this vital sector over the next 50 years,” said His Excellency Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports and Chairman of UAE Space Agency.
“Our presence at the IAC 2024 provided an excellent opportunity to showcase the UAE’s space initiatives and achievements to a global audience. It also highlighted our contributions to international space programs and our ambitious national projects in satellite development. Furthermore, we demonstrated the important role of space technologies in sectors such as communications, environmental sustainability, and broader economic development. Our participation in international events is a key pillar of our strategy to consolidate the UAE’s position as a leading player and contribute to in shaping the future of the global space sector,” said HE Salem Butti Salem Al Qubaisi, Director General of the UAE Space Agency.
“As we successfully conclude the 75th International Astronautical Congress in Milan, the UAE Space Pavilion represented by entities across the UAE has further solidified our nation’s position as a key player in the global space sector, highlighting the importance of collaboration and knowledge exchange in driving sustainable growth. This event has provided an unparalleled opportunity for us to connect with international partners, share our progress on pivotal projects including the development of the Emirates Airlock for the Gateway lunar space station, MBZ-SAT, the most advanced satellite in the region, and the UAE Astronaut Programme, and align our vision with the future of space exploration. By fostering global partnerships, we are not only enhancing our capabilities but also reinforcing the UAE’s role in shaping a more innovative and interconnected space ecosystem. Such strategic engagements are critical as we continue to build a resilient, forward-thinking space sector that contributes to both national and global progress,” said H.E. Salem Humaid Al Marri, Director General, Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC).
“Our presence at the IAC 2024 within the UAE Space Pavilion reflects our unwavering dedication to propelling space science and technology forward. By presenting our cutting-edge projects, we not only affirm the UAE’s leadership in space exploration but also underscore our role in shaping the future of global space innovation. This platform enables us to build enduring partnerships that will fuel both regional and international advancements in space,” said Mr. Ali Al Shehhi, Director of the National Space Science and Technology Center (NSSTC).
“At the International Astronautical Congress in Milan, we presented over six scientific papers and unveiled groundbreaking research projects that are advancing the future of space exploration. From satellite constellations to autonomous navigation for lunar rovers, and electric propulsion for interplanetary missions, we are pushing the boundaries of innovation in space technology,” said Dr. Elias Tsoutsanis, Acting Chief Researcher, Propulsion and Space Research Center, Technology Innovation Institute.
“On behalf of the Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences and Technology (SAASST) and the University of Sharjah, we are honored to be part of the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) 2024 in Milan. Our presence at the UAE Space Pavilion reflects our nation's unified commitment to advancing space science and fostering global collaborations,” said Prof. Hamid Al Naimiy, Director General of Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences and Technology.
The UAE Space Pavilion at IAC brought together a host of public and private organizations, including UAE Space Agency, Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, Technology Innovation Institute (TII), National Space Science and Technology Center, and Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences and Technology, as well as the Dubai Airshow.
Additionally, several leading companies from the Space Economic Zones are participating, including Madari Space Limited, Falcon Robotics, Ardhiyat Al Ibdaa Information Solution, Marshal Intech, Praxaus, 4 Earth Intelligence Environmental Consultancy LLC, and Orbital Space.
His Excellency Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi participated in the 14th International Astronautical Federation (IAF) Meeting for Ministers and Members of Parliament. He also took part in the Space Leaders’ Summit and held a series of meetings with international space agencies, to explore the opportunities of collaboration to promote sustainability of space. His Excellency also participated in the Artemis Accords meeting, to highlight the UAE’s commitment to enabling the joint efforts and adopting the principles and best practices to support the governance of space exploration and the use of outer space for peaceful purposes. His Excellency also highlighted the UAE’s latest efforts in the Emirates Airlock for the Gateway lunar space station.
The UAE Space Pavilion visitors met Astronaut H.E. Dr. Sultan Saif AlNeyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, and Astronaut Hazzaa AlMansoori, Astronauts Office Manager, MBRSC. They offered visitors an overview of the unique experiences and milestones that the UAE achieved in the space sector. Their presence also played a key role in raising awareness about the importance of the national space industry as a fundamental pillar for sustainable development.
The UAE Space Pavilion showcased several major projects, including the Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt, the Space Data Centre, the Geospatial Analytics Platform, the Space Economic Zones Program, and the Sirb Satellite Program. It also highlighted the second edition of the Abu Dhabi Space Debate, set to take place in December 2024.
The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre presented the achievements of the UAE Astronaut Programme, along with upcoming missions such as the Emirates Gateway and MBZ-SAT. NSSTC showcased Project 813, the GNSSas program (Global Navigation Satellite System), its ground station for facilitating space communications, and the AIT facility for satellite assembly and testing. Meanwhile, the Dubai Airshow team highlighted future opportunities for space companies and agencies at the Dubai Airshow 2025.