The UAE Space Agency, in partnership with Luxembourg Space Agency and Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) recently organised the UAE/Luxembourg Space Investor Forum workshop in Abu Dhabi.

The workshop was held at ADGM Authorities Building on Al Maryah Island, on the side-line of an official economic mission headed by Crown Prince Guillaume of Luxembourg and led by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Economy of Luxembourg Etienne Schneider.

The event brought together high-level officials from both the UAE and Luxembourg to convene with investment stakeholders, companies, and experts from the space industry and public authorities to exchange experiences in space sector investment trends. The delegation from the UAE Space Agency was led by Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of State for Higher Education and Advanced Skills and Chairman of the UAE Space Agency, and Dr Eng. Mohammed Nasser Al Ahbabi, director general of the UAE Space Agency.

The UAE Space Agency highlighted its Space Investment Promotion Plan and its role in supporting UAE investors accessing opportunities, as well as strategic benefits derived from involvement in the sector. The Investment Promotion Plan builds upon the UAE’s growing national space sector, supports international partnerships, and encourages investment in the space sector in the UAE and abroad.

The workshop also discussed the investment opportunities and trends in the space industry in the European market and showcased Luxembourg as a gateway to the European space investment market with a particular focus on the prominent supply chain companies that exist there.

Dr Al Falasi, in his capacity as chairman of the UAE Space Agency, said, “We are delighted to have partnered with the Luxembourg Space Agency and Abu Dhabi Global Market for this workshop. This event falls in line with our efforts to promote international collaboration in order to expedite the processes of sharing knowledge and contributing to the global space industry. As we enter one of the UAE space sector’s most exciting years with the upcoming launch of the Emirates Mars Mission, it is essential that we continue building on these valued relationships and partnerships.”

“We believe that investment in space exploration is essential for establishing a diversified economy, particularly since we can utilize space in a way that generates ancillary benefits which contribute to building a sustainable future on earth for the benefit of humanity,” Dr Al Falasi added.

Dr Al Ahbabi said: “As a regional leader in space exploration and investment, the UAE Space Agency is keen to act as a facilitator to UAE investors. With support from the Luxembourg Space Agency through our existing bilateral agreement with them, we are able to access the European space market, allowing us to share knowledge, experiences and resources. As part of the workshop, we have successfully showcased our Investment Promotion Plan, which will allow the UAE’s space program to flourish both locally and internationally, with the added benefit of having companies from Luxembourg look at the UAE as a potential gateway to the region.”

Etienne Schneider said: “Like the UAE, Luxembourg is investing substantial financial and organizational resources in the transformation of the space sector. Since the 1980’s, the Grand Duchy has been at the forefront of commercial and co-operative initiatives, shaping a vibrant space economy in pragmatic and progressive ways. A task helped by the fact that with SES, we are home to the world leading provider of satellite telecoms infrastructure.”

The workshop, supported by the Embassy of Luxembourg in Abu Dhabi, saw attendees participate in discussions that will drive forward the UAE space industry as well as current and future partnerships between the UAE and Europe.

The UAE space sector has made significant achievements, in collaboration with European entities; including the joint venture between the UAE-based satellite operator, Yahsat, and world-leading satellite operator SES, which dates back to 2009. The joint venture, Yahlive, currently serves around 13 million satellite TV homes in the region.

The UAE / Luxembourg Space Investment Forum serves as an extension of the UAE Space Agency’s partnership with the Government of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, which defines a framework for collaboration and the exchange of information and expertise in space science, research and technology. – TradeArabia News Service