The UAE is now in the final stages of developing a new space law, according to Dr. Eng. Mohammed Nasser Al Ahbabi, director general of the UAE Space Agency.
According to Al Ahabbi, the new space law has been approved by the UAE Cabinet, the Federal National Council (FNC) and national authorities.
In a report published by the Emirates News Agency, WAM, Al Ahbabi said the law will create an attractive legislative environment, through helping to draft future space policies, in terms of licences, investments and regulations.
“Around 1,500 people work in the UAE space sector, and over half of them are young Emiratis. We are working with the Ministry of Education and several universities to include space science in their curriculums,” Al Ahbabi said in the interview.
The UAE space law is also aimed at encouraging investment in the space sector, including in space tourism and space exploration, while highlighting the presence of over 50 Emirati companies, institutions and establishments in the space sector.
Al Ahbabi explained that the agency is drafting its future plans according to the best international standards, and is working on a 10-year national strategy for the space sector that was adopted by the UAE Cabinet, as it aligns with the cabinet’s programmes, initiatives and targets. The strategy, which aims to launch space initiatives and projects that will achieve the UAE Vision, comprises six goals, 20 programmes, and 80 initiatives, he added.
