(Image caption: The UAE’s National Space Strategy 2031 aims to position the country among the world’s 10 largest space economies. Photo: Khaleej Times File.)
Dubai, UAE: The UAE’s space economy recorded a 27.1 per cent increase in total spending to Dh5.52 billion, driven by expanding commercial activity, government investment and workforce growth, according to the latest government survey.
The UAE Space Agency, in collaboration with the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC), released the findings of its 2025 Space Economic Survey, which measures activity during 2024, at a workshop in Dubai.
Private Sector Accounts for 48% of Spending
The commercial sector accounted for Dh2.64 billion, representing 48 per cent of total spending in the UAE’s space economy. The figures highlight the growing contribution of private businesses alongside government investment in developing the country’s space industry.
The survey also reported an increase in Emirati participation. The number of UAE nationals employed in the sector rose 27.9 per cent to 1,495 compared with the previous survey.
Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports and Chairman of the UAE Space Agency, said the latest findings demonstrate the growing economic value of the sector, with growth in value added outpacing spending by more than two to one.
He attributed the progress to expanding commercial activity, sustained government investment and the development of national talent, including Emirati women.
Female Employment Surges 83.9%
The survey highlighted increasing participation by young people and women in the UAE’s space industry.
The number of employees aged between 15 and 35 reached 1,333, marking a 29.5 per cent increase compared with the previous survey. Women accounted for 33.5 per cent of the sector’s workforce, while female employment rose by 83.9 per cent.
The growth reflects the UAE’s efforts to strengthen domestic capabilities, expand commercial opportunities and develop specialised skills to support a competitive space economy.
UAE Targets Top 10 Global Space Economies
The National Space Strategy 2031 aims to position the UAE among the world’s 10 largest space economies.
According to Al Falasi, the strategy targets a 60 per cent increase in economic value added and a doubling of space economy revenues. It also seeks to expand investment in space assets and infrastructure, increase the number of companies and UAE-headquartered startups, and broaden the international markets served by UAE space exports.
The annual Space Economic Survey measures the size, performance and economic contribution of the country’s space sector. Its coverage extends beyond core space companies to include organisations that use space-derived data, providing a wider picture of the industry’s economic activity.
