During the forum, the Agency reviewed its key projects, namely the Space Economic Zones Program.
The UAE Space Agency concluded its participation in the “Make it in the Emirates” event, which was held at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, from May 19 to 22. The event was hosted by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology and organised by the ADNEC Group in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, and ADNOC.
Participating alongside more than 500 exhibiting companies from 12 key sectors, as well as leading government officials, industry pioneers, global investors, and technology innovators, the Agency reviewed its strategic achievements and pioneering projects that highlight its vital role in advancing the national space economy and enhancing the UAE’s global competitiveness in scientific research, advanced technologies, and space exploration. In addition, the Agency explored opportunities to strengthen collaboration, exchange expertise, and expand strategic partnerships with both local and international participants.
His Excellency Salem Butti Al Qubaisi, Director-General of UAE Space Agency, said: “This event presents a strategic opportunity to highlight the UAE’s achievements in the space sector and to broaden partnerships between space and industrial entities, within a unified national framework that supports localisation, empowers Emirati talent, and accelerates the transfer of knowledge and advanced technologies.”
Al Qubaisi added: “Through our participation, we aim to highlight the Agency's efforts in transforming space innovation into a tangible development driver, supporting the nation's vision for building a sustainable economy and enhancing its global competitiveness.”
The UAE Space Agency team introduced visitors to the Space Economic Zones Program, which aims to create an attractive and integrated business environment that meets local and global needs. The team highlighted the program’s role in supporting startups, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and enhancing the competitiveness of companies operating in the national space economy. They also showcased the major economic incentives and initiatives offered by the program.
Participating with the UAE Space Agency’s from the Space Economic Zones were Four Earth Intelligence Environmental Consulting LLC, QuantCube Technology, AlienSense, Third Body Dynamics, and Madari Space.
The UAE Space Agency also showcased the Emirates Mars Mission (EMM) with a full-scale model of the Hope Probe, highlighting how it embodies the UAE leadership's vision of building a future based on knowledge and innovation. The project was developed by local talents in collaboration with international partners and contained several components developed by Emirati engineers.
Since its arrival at Mars, the Hope Probe has produced several terabytes of data, distributed via the Science Data Center, that provide a unique view of the Martian Atmosphere. The data from EMM has resulted in numerous contributions to the global scientific community, publishing nearly 40 research papers in prestigious international scientific journals.
On the sidelines of the event, Al Qubaisi joined a panel discussion titled “Advanced Technologies and Space Manufacturing: New Horizons for the UAE's Industrial Ecosystem”. The panel discussed leveraging advanced technology and space manufacturing to reshape global supply chains and achieve quantum leaps in medicine, energy, and communications. The session also addressed challenges in infrastructure, investment, and capacity building, as well as the importance of integrating the space sector and advanced manufacturing to drive economic growth and scientific innovation.
The UAE Space Agency's participation in Make it in the Emirates forum reflects its unwavering commitment to supporting the national drive to localise advanced industries, most notably space industries. Through its participation, the Agency seeks to foster cooperation with local and international partners and highlight promising investment opportunities in the space sector. This contributes to empowering the private sector, driving innovation, and expanding the space economy's contribution to the UAE’s non-oil GDP.