The UAE’s National Space Policy

The UAE’s National Space Policy (PDF, 250 KB) aims to build a strong and sustainable space sector that supports and protects national interests and vital industries, contributes to the diversification and growth of the economy, boosts specialized competencies, develops scientific and technological capabilities, engrains the culture of innovation and national pride, and strengthens the UAE’s status and role regionally and globally. 

The UAE Space Law

The space sector in the UAE is governed by Federal Law No. 12 of 2019 on the Regulation of the Space Sector.

The law aims to create a regulatory environment to achieve the objectives of the UAE’s National Space Policy, in addition to the following goals:

• stimulating investment and encouraging private sector participation in the space sector activities
• implementing safety, security and environmental measures relating to space activities
• supporting the UAE’s commitment to implement the provisions of international conventions and treaties related to outer space.

Space activities regulated by the law

Article 4 of the law mentions several space activities that the law regulates. The activities are:

• launch, re-enter, remove or dispose a space object from the orbit
• ·operate space objects and satellite communication activities
• provide logistical support services in outer space
• manage space data activities
• collect or trade meteorites that fall in the UAE.

Requirement of a permit

According to the law, no one may own a space object, carry out or participate in space activities, or establish, use or possess related space facilities without obtaining a permit from UAE Space Agency. The law covers the role of UAE Space Agency as the federal entity in charge of regulating the space sector.

The UAE’s National Space Strategy 2030

In March 2019, the UAE Government launched the National Space Strategy 2030, which sets the general framework for the UAE's space industry and activities carried out by public and private sectors for the years leading up to 2030. Read more on UAE’s National Space Strategy 2030.

As per data of April 2015, THE UAE's investments in space technologies have already exceeded AED20 billion, including investments made in the satellite data and TV broadcast company - Al Yah Satellite Communication, the mobile satellite communication company - Thuraya Satellite Telecommunications and the Earth mapping and observation system - Dubai Sat.

The UAE has launched several satellites which are currently orbiting around the world. Some of them are:

• DubaiSat 1 (launched in 2009)
• DubaiSat 2 (launched in 2013)
• Al Yah 1 (launched in 2011)
• Al Yah 2 (launched in 2012)
• Al Yah 3 (launched in 2018)
• KhalifaSat ( launched in 2018)
• Nayif-1 (launched in 2017)