Abu dhabi: Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports and Chairman of the UAE Space Agency, led the UAE delegation participating in the inaugural International Space Summit 2026, held in Paris on 9th and 10th September. The summit convened heads of state and government, representatives of international organizations, scientists, astronauts, and private-sector leaders for discussions aimed at shaping a space sector capable of addressing current scientific, technological, economic, and environmental challenges.
According to Emirates News Agency, Al Falasi emphasized that the global space sector is entering a new phase where its impact extends beyond exploration to support economies, advance science and technology, and create new societal opportunities. He highlighted the UAE's efforts to build a competitive and innovative space sector integrated with the global ecosystem, contributing to national capabilities and transforming advances in space science and technology into sustainable economic, scientific, and societal value.
International cooperation was underscored as a fundamental pillar in achieving these goals. Through partnerships with countries and institutions worldwide, including a strategic partnership with France, the UAE aims to expand opportunities for scientific cooperation, technology development, investment, and the exchange of knowledge and expertise. The summit addressed key areas such as space sustainability and security, the space economy, exploration and science, and international governance, focusing on strengthening international cooperation and coordinating efforts to tackle sector challenges.
The UAE's participation aligns with the National Space Strategy 2031, aiming to develop a globally competitive national space sector that contributes to the national economy. The strategy seeks to increase the space economy's added value by 60 percent, double sector revenues and infrastructure investment, and boost the number of national companies and start-ups, supporting the UAE's ambition to rank among the world's top 10 space economies by 2031.
The UAE delegation focused on developing responsible international frameworks for space activities, expanding scientific and commercial partnerships, strengthening private-sector participation, developing advanced infrastructure, and nurturing national talent. Al Falasi outlined the UAE's priorities for promoting the responsible use of space and reaffirmed the country's commitment to expanding international partnerships, especially with France.
He participated in a high-level session on future space infrastructure alongside leaders from Finland, Greece, Armenia, and the United Kingdom, examining forces driving transformation in the space sector, the role of advanced infrastructure in economic growth and innovation, and the importance of strengthening sector resilience amid rapid space activity expansion.
Al Falasi highlighted the UAE's investments in technology and national capabilities, efforts to enable private-sector participation in developing infrastructure, and initiatives to create an attractive environment for space investment and innovation. Bilateral meetings were held with senior space officials from France, ESA, and KASA, focusing on space science, exploration, technology, and commercial space activities.
Discussions with French officials emphasized the longstanding UAE-France space partnership, formalized through an agreement in 2015, which has since expanded across scientific and industrial fields. A significant development was the announcement of a US$1 billion investment in France to develop 'Altair-Next Gen', the world's largest AI satellite infrastructure, led by UAE-based Marlan Space and Loft Orbital.
Additionally, Al Falasi witnessed the signing of three memoranda of understanding between UAE and French companies and institutions to strengthen cooperation in advanced space technologies, develop capabilities and innovative solutions, and expand commercial and investment opportunities, contributing to a more competitive and sustainable space ecosystem.
The UAE delegation also included Dr. Sultan Saif Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth, and representatives from various UAE space institutions, reflecting the integration of the UAE's national space ecosystem and collective efforts to advance the country's space ambitions.