Dubai Airshow and UAE Space Agency sign MoU to enhance focus on space sector

On the second day of Dubai Airshow 2021, the UAE Space Agency and Dubai Airshow signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The two parties will work together to present the Dubai Airshow as a vital venue for space companies and investors. The cooperation will help organisations interested in establishing a presence at future editions of the event, as well as allowing space companies to profit from the participation, engagements, networking, and agreements made at the Dubai Airshow.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed commented: “The space sector continues to be a vital industry for the UAE, one that has already inspired a generation of future astronauts and space scientists. Globally there are an increasing number of space organizations and new players investing in the space sector. Dubai Airshow will accelerate its focus on space by creating exciting new prospects for regional and global space players from both public and private sectors. This agreement will help strengthen the Airshow’s space offering and lead to even more partnerships, collaborations and projects in the future.”

Her Excellency Sarah bint Youssef Al Amiri, Minister of State for Advanced Technology and Chairwoman of the UAE Space Agency, said: “Enhancing cooperation locally and globally is a key part of our ongoing efforts to stimulate the space industry and increase its economic contribution. Partnerships play an important role in building a knowledge and innovation-driven economy and our agreement with the Dubai Airshow aims to provide a platform for companies to showcase their products, services, and innovation. They will benefit significantly from the opportunities the event offers with the potential to deepen ties, attract investment and catalyze private sector expansion.”

Her Excellency added: “The Dubai Airshow plays a vital role in developing the global aviation sector and we are proud to have supported this crucial exhibition since the UAE Space Agency was established in 2014. Our new partnership will contribute to our shared ambition of creating an attractive and competitive national space industry that contributes to growth, innovation and human progress for the next 50 years.”

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Airline and Group, and Her Excellency Sarah Bint Yousif Al Amiri, Minister of State for Advanced Technology and Chairwoman of the UAE Space Agency signed the Memorandum of Understanding.

The Dubai Airshow and the UAE Space Agency will collaborate to improve the space sector’s representation at future events by coordinating space policies and efforts. At the Dubai Airshow, they will also collaborate to host high-level, senior delegations. They will create particular projects and competitions to attract entrepreneurs and SMEs as part of the partnership.

This year’s Airshow has nearly 150 countries represented, including 20 country pavilions and new additions from the Czech Republic, Belgium, Brazil, Israel, and Slovakia. There are also civil and military delegations from over 140 countries at the exhibition and over 370 new exhibitors. With roughly 85,000 attendees over the course of the week, this year’s Dubai Airshow is the largest since it began in 1989.

Dubai Airshow 2021 is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.