The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has showcased its commitment to international collaboration in the space sector by participating in the 40th International Space Conference held in Colorado, USA, from April 7 to April 10, 2025. The UAE delegation, led by Salem Butti Al Qubaisi, Director-General of the Emirates Space Agency, included representatives from various government entities, companies, and experts in the field.
During the conference, Al Qubaisi emphasized the importance of strengthening international cooperation, stating that participation in such forums enhances strategic investment in the space sector. He noted that the conference provided a vital opportunity for knowledge exchange with global leaders and experts, which is essential for developing national capabilities and supporting the UAE's ambitious mission to explore space.
The UAE's vision is to build a sustainable national space economy over the next 50 years, and this participation is seen as a significant step in that direction. Al Qubaisi remarked, "This conference is a strategic opportunity to exchange knowledge with a select group of industry leaders and global experts, which will contribute both in the short and long term to enhancing our efforts to develop national competencies capable of leading the future in this field according to the highest global standards."
On the sidelines of the conference, Al Qubaisi visited the Atmospheric and Space Physics Laboratory at the University of Colorado Boulder, where he was briefed on the latest developments regarding the UAE's mission to explore the asteroid belt. He held discussions with leaders from the laboratory and the university and met with members of the national team for the mission, which comprises top Emirati talents from leading national institutions.
In addition to these engagements, Al Qubaisi participated in a panel discussion alongside prominent figures in the space sector, including Kevin Coogins, Deputy Assistant Administrator for Communications and Navigation at NASA, and Dr. Mohammed Saud Al Tamimi, Governor of the Communications, Space, and Technology Authority in Saudi Arabia. They explored avenues for global space cooperation, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts in advancing space exploration.
Throughout the conference, the UAE delegation held meetings with various international space agencies and companies, including NASA, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Amazon KGS, Ansys, Novaspace, and Virgin Galactic. These discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in several critical areas, particularly the Emirates Mission to Explore Asteroids, the national space program, technological advancements, and collaboration under the Artemis Accords, which the UAE joined in 2020.
In a parallel development, on April 16, 2025, Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar, Minister of State, led the UAE delegation at the third ministerial meeting for strategic dialogue between the Cooperation Council and Central Asian countries, held in Kuwait. This meeting aimed to strengthen relations between the Cooperation Council countries and Central Asian nations, discussing recent regional and global developments.
During the meeting, participants reaffirmed their commitment to building a sustainable and promising partnership based on shared values and mutual interests. They emphasized the importance of coordinating positions to achieve security, stability, development, and prosperity for both regions.
The meeting also served to follow up on the preparations for the upcoming second summit between the Cooperation Council and Central Asian countries, scheduled for May 5, 2025, in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. This summit is expected to further solidify ties and cooperation between the involved nations.
As the UAE continues to expand its role in international space exploration and diplomatic relations, its active participation in these significant conferences reflects a broader strategy to position itself as a leader in the global space sector and a key player in fostering regional cooperation.
Both the International Space Conference and the strategic dialogue with Central Asian countries highlight the UAE's commitment to collaboration and innovation in addressing global challenges. With a focus on sustainability and development, the UAE aims to leverage these partnerships to enhance its capabilities and contribute to the international community's efforts in space exploration and regional stability.
