The Dubai Airshow’s 18th edition, scheduled from November 13 to 17 at Dubai World Central (DWC), will spotlight space exploration as a vital driver for both individual countries and the aerospace sector’s growth.
The event has chosen “space exploration” as its theme after a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Dubai Airshow and the UAE Space Agency, resulting in a strengthened focus on space-related activities this year.
The global fascination with space exploration has transcended the realm of government, aerospace, and defense companies. Private businesses and industries are now at the forefront of developing innovative space applications, giving rise to a new space economy projected to exceed $634B by 2026, according to the Space Foundation.
To further emphasize the significance of space in the event, Ibrahim Al Qasim, Deputy Director-General of the UAE Space Agency, and Salem Humaid Al Marri, Director-General of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), have been appointed to the Dubai Airshow Advisory Board.
Al Qasim said: “The UAE has made great strides in building national capabilities in earth observation, training astronauts, sending missions to the moon and soon to the asteroid belt.”
“The most critical component in the next five to ten years will be building major private sector capabilities.”
“We are looking to facilitate enormous opportunities for startups to be established in the UAE, and there is no better platform to do this than the Dubai Airshow. The show has generated upward of AED 3T ($817B) in business.”
The space industry remains a crucial sector for the UAE and is already inspiring the aspirations of future astronauts and space scientists.
This year has witnessed historic milestones, including Sultan Al Neyadi becoming the first Arab to venture into space and the Arab world’s inaugural interplanetary mission.
Recently, the UAE unveiled the Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt (EMA), a groundbreaking 13-year initiative that involves six years of spacecraft development and seven years of exploration. This ambitious project is expected to provide a significant boost to Emirati space start-ups and foster the training of local talent.
Additionally, the Saudi Space Commission achieved a historic feat by sending its first female Saudi astronaut to space.
A prominent global scientific research center, the Technology Innovation Institute (TII), serves as the applied research pillar of Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC). Making its debut this year, TII is the host sponsor for the Aerospace 2050 stage at the Dubai Airshow.
Dr. Gustavo Dos Santos, Chief Researcher, Propulsion and Space Research Centre (PSRC) at the Technology Innovation Institute (TII), said: “The airshow is a unique forum that brings together the world’s leading stakeholders in the aerospace and space sectors.”
“With a complete section dedicated to space in the upcoming edition, we hope to add value through our participation in conferences that discuss the correlation between aerospace and climate change.”
The airshow has scheduled a dedicated two-day conference, attracting influential leaders, government officials, and change-makers who will share their extensive knowledge, expertise, and visionary insights to push the boundaries of possibilities in space exploration.
In its 18th edition, the event will provide numerous networking opportunities, including the Exclusive Ministerial and Space Delegation programs, facilitating connections between industry players, government officials, academia, and decision-makers.
In line with the UAE government’s Make it in the Emirates initiative and aiming to contribute to building a highly skilled workforce for the future, the airshow will enable students, graduates, and young professionals to interact with potential employers and participate in activities through its youth engagement program.
Aspiring astronauts and space scientists will have ample opportunities to explore a career in space, with events such as a New Space start-up competition and a Space and Moonwalker meet and greet.
