Dubai: H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of the Supreme Space Council, visited the UAE Space Agency’s booth at the Dubai Airshow 2025, where he was briefed on key projects and initiatives, including the Sirb Programme, Arab Satellite 813 Project, and the Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt (EMA).
According to Emirates News Agency, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan commended the efforts of the UAE Space Agency to enhance the UAE’s standing as a spacefaring nation. He highlighted that the UAE’s investment in the space sector is driven by a quest to shape a future defined by creative minds and the determination to turn dreams into reality. H.H. Sheikh Hamdan emphasized that great achievements often start with bold ideas, taking form through determination and excellence, delivering outcomes as talents and creative energies unite for a common purpose.
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan also noted that every project and international partnership strengthens the UAE’s position among leading countries in the space sector, while the efforts of ambitious national talents inspire the nation towards a new phase where its knowledge base and technologies contribute to shaping a better future for humanity.
During the visit, the UAE Space Agency team presented H.H. with the initial design of the Sirb satellite system, which is central to the UAE’s goals of empowering the private sector and achieving autonomy in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imaging from space. Led by the UAE Space Agency, with EDGE as the programme’s strategic partner, the Sirb team has entered the preliminary design phase and established a UAE national team of engineers and specialists. This team is gaining experience in SAR payload design and development through collaboration with international partners, marking a step in developing sovereign expertise in advanced satellite technologies.
The team also reviewed the latest developments in the Arab Satellite 813 project, following the completion of the Launch Readiness Review and the Operational Readiness Review. These achievements represent milestones in the project’s journey, benefiting from the UAE’s capabilities in assembling and testing satellites locally. This satellite project is the first Arab space initiative providing experts and researchers in the region the opportunity to participate in the development and use of space technologies.
Additionally, the team provided H.H. Sheikh Hamdan with an overview of the UAE Space Agency’s efforts to promote the UAE’s presence in the space sector, boost innovation and scientific research, develop national capabilities, and expand cooperation with partners to contribute to building a sustainable and competitive space sector.
The UAE Space Agency led the largest Space Pavilion at the 19th Dubai Airshow, attracting participation from entities globally. The pavilion offered a learning experience, showcasing space technologies and national programmes, highlighting local talent’s pivotal role in leading projects. It provided a platform for interaction with local and international partners.
Dubai Airshow 2025 featured a space conference with over 60 speakers, including astronauts and representatives from global space agencies, educational initiatives such as the Planet X challenge, and space application competitions. The exhibition also saw the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding and strategic agreements with entities to strengthen cooperation in scientific research and space technology development, alongside meetings with global agencies to foster future partnerships.
