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The launch of the “Mohamed bin Zayed Sat” on Jan. 14 marked a defining moment for the UAE’s ambitious space program. As the satellite ascended into orbit, it symbolized a nation’s vision to redefine its place on the global stage through innovation and knowledge-driven growth.

This milestone aligns seamlessly with the UAE National Space Strategy 2030, which seeks to establish a competitive, world-class space industry while contributing significantly to the national economy. The goals of the UAE’s space program reflect a collaborative, purposeful approach that extends beyond technological achievements to inspire a new generation, diversify the economy, and address global challenges such as climate change.

The UAE is at the forefront of leveraging advanced space technologies to drive innovation and sustainable development. Remote sensing satellites play a crucial role in addressing key global challenges and applications.

By providing high-resolution imagery and precise data, these satellites empower decision-makers with actionable insights across key sectors, including environmental sustainability, urban planning, disaster management, agricultural development, and climate change.

Investment in the space sector has surged to 40 billion dirhams ($11 billion), growing by 30 percent annually since 2015. Additionally, the UAE Space Agency recently announced the establishment of a National Space Fund worth 3 billion dirhams to enhance investments in entrepreneurs and private sector companies, as well as to support future space activities and projects.

The UAE’s private space sector plays a pivotal role in the development of the space industry, with its spending nearly matching that of the public sector. Today, the private sector comprises over 200 companies. The sector has also recorded a 29 percent annual growth in the number of companies, while private sector financing and investments now account for 44.3 percent of the total.

A technological marvel

MBZ-SAT, fully developed by a team of Emirati engineers at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, represents a transformative step in the UAE’s exploration of space. With a total mass of 750 kg and dimensions of 3m x 5m, the satellite offers twice the imaging accuracy of its predecessors, 10 times more imagery, and rapid data delivery within two hours.

Being mentored by MBRSC Director General Salem Humaid Al-Marri, I’ve had the privilege of working with the team at the Space Centre on the Emirates Mars Mission. Their work on MBZ-SAT is a testament to the UAE’s focus on nurturing local expertise and establishing a self-reliant space and advanced tech ecosystem.

The satellite’s development has catalyzed significant economic and technological growth within the UAE. Nearly 90 percent of MBZ-SAT’s mechanical structures and a substantial portion of its electronic modules were produced in collaboration with UAE-based companies, including Strata, EPI, Rockford Xellerix, Halcon, Falcon, and EGA. This partnership-driven approach not only strengthens the UAE’s space technology capabilities but also ensures the transfer of critical knowledge and skills to local talent, fostering a self-reliant aerospace ecosystem.

MBZ-SAT builds on the UAE’s legacy, from the successful deployment of KhalifaSat to the Hope Probe’s historic arrival at Mars in 2021. This trajectory underscores the nation’s commitment to innovation and its ability to position itself as a leader in the global space community.

The UAE’s space program is more than just a story of rockets and satellites; it is a bold statement about the nation’s identity and its determination to lead through vision and action. As the satellite orbits above, it carries a powerful message: the UAE’s ascent is not limited to Earth—it is a journey of limitless possibilities.

It is worth noting that the UAE’s interest in space dates back to the mid-1970s when the visionary Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahyan met with the Apollo mission team and emphasized that the UAE was committed to being at the forefront of humanity’s development.

• Abdulla Alshehhi is a National Experts Program Fellow and the head of strategic research at the UAE Space Agency.