Public Policy Document

The UAE’s National Space Policy, issued in 2016. It is considered one of the most important elements of the national regulatory framework as it represents a foundational step in regulating the space sector in the UAE. The policy aims to highlight the role of the space sector as a vital pillar in the journey of development and innovation. It outlines the approach, priorities, and ambitions of the UAE government in the space sector, emphasizing the importance of coordinating national efforts within the space sector. It also reflects the UAE's belief in the importance of peaceful use and international cooperation in space. This policy embodies the government's direction in building a strong and sustainable UAE space sector that will support and protect national interests and vital sectors, contribute to economic diversification and growth, enhance specialized national competencies, develop high scientific and technical capabilities, foster a culture of innovation and national pride, and strengthen the UAE's role and standing regionally and globally.

1. Expand the utilization of the space sector to protect and support vital sectors.
2. Develop a sustainable commercial space sector based on competitiveness and innovation. 
3. Launch scientific space missions. 
4. Promote a safe and stable space environment that supports sustainable space activities.
5. Enhance the UAE’s regional and global leading position in the space field.
    

1. Provide a prosperous life for the people of the UAE.
   • Through its space programs and activities, the UAE aims to advance education, scientific studies, and research, thereby contributing to the transfer of knowledge, skills, and advanced technology, as well as the creation of local job opportunities. This will also contribute to providing an optimal level of services in communications, radio, navigation, weather monitoring, and urban planning. 
2. Support the national interests of the UAE.
   • The policy aims to provide security, safety, stability, and disaster and crisis management capacity at the national and regional levels, as well as to manage and explore natural resources, support urban and road planning processes, monitor the climate, and protect the environment.
3. Support economic development and diversification.
   • The UAE seeks to continuously develop and grow national space capabilities to effectively contribute to the economy and respond to the needs of other sectors by harnessing space technologies and applications. 
4. Promote cooperation and support the UAE’s standing.
   • The UAE seeks partnerships in the field of space that serve its goals and achieve mutual benefit for all parties, as well as cultivate a global recognition for Emirati, Arab and Islamic space activities in various sectors such as public, private, and scientific.  
   • The UAE is committed to achieving the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals and initiatives, and to support international action to address the most prominent regional and global challenges.
5. Respect international laws and treaties.
   • The UAE recognizes the right of all nations to explore and use space for peaceful purposes and for the benefit of humanity. It also recognizes that it is a vital national interest to ensure a safe, sustainable, and stable space environment, free from barriers to access, within the frameworks of international laws and regulations that govern space activities.
      

1. Support national security.
2. Enhance national capabilities in the field of disaster monitoring and response.
3. Support humanitarian aid.
4. Support key industries and sectors in the UAE.
5. Leverage space technologies to improve the quality of life of people in the UAE.
6. Support natural resource management.  
7. Support smart cities and e-government initiatives.
8. Support international efforts to ensure sustainability of space activities.
    

Government sector, local and international operators and companies, educational institutions, research centers, international companies, and community members.