The United Arab Emirates, represented by the UAE Space Agency, the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, alongside various national entities and companies, will participate in the 76th International Astronautical Congress (IAC), taking place in Sydney, Australia from September 29 to October 3, 2025.
This year’s theme is “Sustainable Space: Resilient Earth.” The participation aligns with the UAE’s commitment to fostering international collaboration and exploring new horizons in the space sector.
Dr. Ahmed Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and Chairman of the UAE Space Agency, stated: “Our participation in the International Astronautical Congress demonstrates the UAE’s solid commitment to supporting the sustainability of the space sector and enhancing international cooperation in this field, for the benefit of our countries and humanity as a whole. This global congress serves as a vital platform for knowledge exchange, experiences, and insights among nations and institutions focused on shaping the future of the space sector.”
He further noted, “Through our participation, we aim to showcase our ambitious strategic vision for the space sector, which emphasizes the development of qualified human resources, advanced infrastructure, and strengthened international partnerships to tackle global challenges. We are also focused on establishing flexible legislative frameworks and investment incentives to attract top talents and investors in this sector, thereby reinforcing the UAE’s status as a global hub for the space economy.”
Dr. Al Falasi will lead the UAE delegation, which will attend three main meetings at the conference, bringing together representatives from 55 countries that have signed agreements to review the outcomes of the historic Abu Dhabi workshop and discuss implementation mechanisms. Salem Butti Al Qubaisi, Director General of the UAE Space Agency, expressed pride in leading the Emirates Space Pavilion, which consolidates various capabilities and projects of the national space sector under one roof, highlighting the integrated framework involving government agencies, the private sector, and research and academic institutions, reflecting the rapid growth of the UAE’s role in this vital area.
Salem Hamid Al Merri, Director General of the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, remarked: “We are proud to represent the UAE in the International Astronautical Congress in Sydney. Our participation underscores our nation’s strong commitment to international cooperation and reflects our desire for innovation in the space domain to be a fundamental pillar supporting life sustainability on Earth.”
The UAE’s pavilion at the conference will feature not only the UAE Space Agency but also a selection of strategic partners from leading governmental bodies and national companies, alongside several firms from the Economic Space Zones program.
Hamid Khames Al Kaabi, General Director of the Federal Geographic Information Center, commented, “The participation of the Federal Geographic Information Center, in collaboration with the UAE Space Agency at IAC2025, represents our unwavering commitment to enhancing geospatial knowledge and solidifying the UAE’s leadership in vital sectors.” Additionally, Dr. Elias Tsoubanos, a senior researcher at the Space Science and Propulsion Systems Centre at the Technology Innovation Institute, stated, “Our presence in the UAE Space Pavilion at the International Astronautical Congress reflects our commitment to strengthening the UAE’s sovereign capabilities in propulsion and space sciences.” The pavilion will highlight key national projects and initiatives within the space sector.
The Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre will host a diverse range of sessions at the UAE pavilion during the congress, showcasing the growth and leadership of the nation in space exploration.