UAE Showcases Space Ambitions at 76th International Astronautical Congress in Sydney
Sydney, The Gulf Observer: The United Arab Emirates (UAE), represented by the UAE Space Agency, Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), and several national companies and organisations, is participating in the 76th International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Sydney, Australia, running until October 3, under the theme “Sustainable Space: Resilient Earth.”
The UAE’s participation highlights its commitment to advancing international cooperation and exploring new opportunities in the space sector. Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sport and Chair of the UAE Space Agency, said, “The IAC provides an important platform for exchanging knowledge, experience and expertise among countries and institutions shaping the future of space. It reflects the UAE’s commitment to sustainability and international collaboration in the sector.”
Dr. Al Falasi is leading the UAE delegation in three key meetings during the IAC: the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) International Meeting for Ministers and Members of Parliaments, the Artemis Accords signatory meeting, and the IAF Global Space Leaders’ Summit. The UAE Space Agency is chairing the Artemis Accords meeting in collaboration with NASA and the Australian Space Agency, engaging 55 member states to review outcomes of the Abu Dhabi Workshop and discuss implementation mechanisms for the Accords’ principles.
Salem Butti Al Qubaisi, Director-General of the UAE Space Agency, highlighted the UAE pavilion as a showcase of integrated efforts linking government entities, private companies, research centres, and academic institutions. “This synergy demonstrates the UAE’s advanced capabilities and the rapid pace at which the nation is positioning itself as a global hub for space innovation and exploration,” he said.
Salem Humaid Al Marri, Director-General of MBRSC, added that the UAE’s initiatives integrate sustainability into every programme, contributing to a national vision of positioning the UAE as a key player in sustainable space exploration.
The UAE pavilion features projects from the UAE Space Agency, MBRSC, Technology Innovation Institute (TII), Federal Geographic Information Centre (FGIC), National Space Science and Technology Centre, Fazaa, and other companies from the Space Economic Zones Programme. Highlights include sessions led by UAE astronauts Dr. Sultan Saif AlNeyadi, Hazzaa AlMansoori, and Nora AlMatrooshi, interactive Meet & Greet events, and panels on the Gateway programme, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies in space.
Dr. Elias Tsoutsanis of TII’s Propulsion and Space Research Centre emphasized the UAE’s commitment to advancing sovereign capabilities in propulsion and space sciences, while fostering global partnerships.
The IAC, the world’s largest gathering of space sector leaders, serves as a platform to accelerate global efforts toward sustainable and resilient space activities, addressing environmental, scientific, and technological challenges.
