Vienna: Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sport and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the UAE Space Agency, led the UAE delegation at the 69th session of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) in Vienna, Austria. The event, held from June 10 to 19, 2026, focused on several key issues related to the space sector, including the sustainability of space activities and the role of space technologies in sustainable development and climate action.
According to Emirates News Agency, Dr. Ahmad Al Falasi highlighted the UAE's commitment to supporting international efforts for the peaceful and responsible use of outer space and enhancing international cooperation. He emphasized the need for unprecedented levels of collaboration to ensure the sustainability of the space environment and maximize the scientific and economic benefits of the sector. This aligns with the objectives of the UAE's National Space Strategy 2031.
Dr. Al Falasi underscored the importance of partnerships and knowledge exchange in building a future space environment that benefits humanity. He pointed to the AED 1 billion International Space Cooperation Program, which invites global collaboration on joint research and technology projects. The program aims to transform knowledge and innovation into sustainable scientific and economic value.
The UAE's latest developments in space exploration, such as the Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt and lunar exploration projects, were also highlighted. The country's participation in the COPUOS meetings emphasized advancing Space Situational Awareness (SSA) to ensure space operation safety and reduce collision risks amid increasing satellite and orbital activities.
The UAE delegation reviewed progress by the International Expert Group on Space Situational Awareness, established under COPUOS following the Abu Dhabi Space Debate 2024. The UAE chairs this group, comprising over 120 experts from 43 countries, working on recommendations to enhance data sharing and promote best practices in orbital coordination and space operation safety.
Participants discussed recommendations to improve information-sharing mechanisms and strengthen international coordination among space asset operators, supporting responsible space usage. The UAE emphasized the need for international cooperation in space research and development to address future challenges related to space sustainability and emerging technologies.
The UAE delegation presented the AED 1 billion International Space Cooperation Programme's key features, designed to support research and joint projects with international partners. The program aims to transform collaboration opportunities into initiatives that accelerate innovation and develop future space solutions, aiming to position the UAE as a leading space economy.
On the sidelines of the COPUOS meetings, Dr. Al Falasi held bilateral meetings with international officials and partners in the space sector. Discussions with Aarti Holla-Maini, Director of UNOOSA, and Philippe Adam, Secretary General of the Paris Space Summit, focused on enhancing cooperation in space sustainability, capacity building, and regulatory frameworks. Both meetings emphasized the importance of international cooperation to develop frameworks supporting the safe and responsible use of outer space.
