The UAE, represented by the UAE Space Agency, Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) and a number of local companies and organisations, is participating in the 76th International Astronautical Congress (IAC), being held in Sydney, Australia, until 3rd October, under the theme: ‘Sustainable Space: Resilient Earth’.
The UAE’s presence underscores its dedication to advancing international cooperation and seizing new opportunities within the global space sector.
Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sport and Chair of the UAE Space Agency, said, “The UAE’s participation in the IAC 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. This global conference provides an important platform for exchanging knowledge, experience and expertise among countries and institutions involved in developing the future of space.”
He added, “Through this participation, we are keen to showcase our ambitious strategic vision for the space sector, founded on developing human capabilities and advanced infrastructure, strengthening international partnerships to address global challenges and establishing flexible legislative frameworks and investment incentives that attract top talents and investors in the sector. This vision will reinforce the UAE’s position as a global hub for the space economy.”
Dr. Ahmed Belhoul Al Falasi is heading the UAE delegation, which is contributing to three major engagements at 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.
Notably, the UAE Space Agency will chair the Artemis Accords signatory meeting, co-hosted with NASA and the Australian Space Agency, bringing together 55 member states. This session will review outcomes of the Abu Dhabi Workshop and explore practical steps for implementing the principles of the Accords.
At the Global Space Leaders’ Summit, Dr. Al Falasi will also lead high-level discussions with senior figures from global agencies and companies, helping shape future space policies and foster deeper collaboration.
Salem Butti Al Qubaisi, Director-General of the UAE Space Agency, said, “The UAE’s pavilion at IAC highlights our integrated system that unites government entities, private companies, research centres and academic institutions in one collaborative framework. This synergy not only demonstrates the UAE’s advanced capabilities and diverse projects but also reflects the remarkable pace at which our nation is shaping its position as a global hub for space innovation and exploration.”
Al Qubaisi continued, “Our participation at IAC represents a significant opportunity to strengthen international collaboration, build strategic partnerships and exchange knowledge with leading global space agencies.”
Salem Humaid Al Marri, Director-General of Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, said, “At MBRSC, we have built a comprehensive ecosystem that integrates sustainability into every programme and these initiatives are not isolated achievements; they form part of a deliberate national vision to position the UAE as a key contributor to a sustainable future in space.
Our presence at IAC 2025 underscores our role in helping to define that future, ensuring that exploration and innovation continue to serve the progress of humanity while safeguarding the space environment for generations to come.”
The UAE pavilion showcases the collective efforts of the UAE Space Agency, MBRSC, Technology Innovation Institute (TII), Federal Geographic Information Centre (FGIC), National Space Science and Technology Centre, Fazaa (a UAE space start-up), and several companies under the Space Economic Zones Programme. Together, they will present groundbreaking projects and initiatives aimed at stimulating innovation, empowering local talent, and advancing the UAE’s leadership in the space economy.
Dr. Elias Tsoutsanis, Chief Researcher at TII’s Propulsion and Space Research Centre, said, “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 pavilion highlights major national projects and initiatives in the space field, offering global visitors a comprehensive look at how the UAE is harnessing space technologies to serve humanity—particularly in addressing climate change, environmental conservation, and disaster management.
MBRSC will host a dedicated programme of sessions featuring insights from Emirati astronauts Dr. Sultan Saif AlNeyadi, Hazzaa AlMansoori, and Nora AlMatrooshi, who will share their mission experiences as part of the UAE Astronaut Programme. A Meet & Greet session will allow the global audience to connect with astronauts on a personal level. MBRSC experts will also present pioneering projects in science, technology, and culture, including a panel on the Gateway programme.
Additionally, the UAE Space Agency will organise a session titled “Leveraging Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies to Drive Innovation and Economic Impact in Space.”
The IAC remains the world’s largest gathering of space leaders, drawing thousands of participants from agencies, academia, and private industry. This year’s conference provides a crucial platform to accelerate global efforts for sustainable space activities, ensuring resilient solutions to scientific, environmental, and technological challenges in the years ahead.
(Inputs from WAM)
