The UAE, represented by the UAE Space Agency, participated in the 41st Space Symposium held in Colorado Springs from 13 to 16 April 2026. The event brought together global industry leaders, government representatives, private entities, and space sector experts from around the world.
The UAE Space Agency’s participation reflects its continued efforts to strengthen the country’s international presence and deepen strategic partnerships with leading global space institutions. Aligned with the Agency’s strategic direction to reinforce its role in the global space economy, and building on the adoption of the National Space Strategy 2031, the UAE’s active presence at the Symposium underscores its commitment to advancing its long-term ambitions in the sector.
Headed by His Excellency Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports and Chairman of the UAE Space Agency, the UAE delegation included His Excellency Ibrahim Hamza Al Qasim, Deputy Director-General of the UAE Space Agency; Mohsen Al Awadhi, Director of Space Missions; the Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt (EMA) team; and a number of officials and engineers.
His Excellency Dr. Al Falasi emphasized that the UAE’s participation in this prominent international event reflects a steadfast commitment to its role as a trusted and active partner in shaping the future of the global space sector, in line with the objectives of the UAE Space Strategy 2031. The strategy includes advancing global leadership in space partnerships and enhancing the sector’s economic contribution, ultimately strengthening the country’s competitiveness and supporting its ambition to rank among the world’s leading space economies by 2031.
His Excellency stated: “Guided by our ambitious vision, we are establishing an integrated Emirati model that elevates international space cooperation from traditional frameworks to long-term strategic partnerships with space agencies, the private sector and research institutions. This approach accelerates the development of advanced technologies, empowers national talent and unlocks new opportunities for economic growth, further reinforcing the UAE’s position as a global hub for innovation and investment in this key sector.”
His Excellency Ibrahim Al Qasim, Deputy Director-General of the UAE Space Agency, said: “We are delighted to participate in the 41st Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, a premier gathering of global leaders and innovators in the space sector. It is a privilege to engage alongside our valued partners and friends from across the world.”
His Excellency Al Qasim added: “The UAE continues to stand among the region’s fastest-growing economies, and through the strong international partnerships we have cultivated over the past three decades, we have established a robust and forward-looking foundation for our space ambitions. As one of the founding signatories of the Artemis Accords and an early participant in the Artemis program, our commitment remains steadfast. We look ahead with great optimism and enthusiasm to the opportunities that lie before us, as we continue to advance collaboration, innovation, and progress in the global space community.”
During the event, the UAE Space Agency delegation highlighted numerous national projects and initiatives, including the Emirates Mars Mission (EMM) Hope Probe, which was recently extended until 2028 following its exceptional success and the high operational efficiency of its systems. The mission has delivered the first comprehensive picture of the Martian atmosphere and provided more than 10 terabytes of open scientific data, supporting global research and enhancing understanding of Mars’ climate evolution.
The team also highlighted the Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt (EMA), the Space Economic Zones Program, and the National Space Strategy 2031, which outlines the future of the sector and aims to strengthen its contribution to the country’s economic growth.
On the sidelines of the Symposium, the UAE Space Agency delegation held a series of bilateral meetings with leading global space sector figures, including NASA, KASA, and CNES. Discussions focused on the latest updates of the 2031 Strategy, cooperation in Mars and lunar exploration program, the Artemis Accords, and enhancing the private sector’s role in space innovation.
In addition, Mohsen Al Awadhi participated in a panel discussion alongside Major General Roberto Melgar Sheen, Head of the National Commission for Aerospace Research and Development in Peru, and Dr. Thomas Reiter, Director-General for Space and Security at the German Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space. The session, moderated by Kathleen Karika, Senior Advisor at NASA, and John Thompson, Senior Bureau Official at the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, focused on enhancing global space cooperation and expanding international partnerships in this vital sector. The Space Symposium is the premier event uniting global space professionals from all sectors, bringing together top decision-makers, leaders of space agencies and representatives of global companies, as well as experts and specialists, to discuss key strategic trends and advanced technologies in the space industry. The Symposium serves as a leading global platform for fostering partnerships and envisioning the future of the space economy, contributing to innovation and expanding opportunities for international cooperation in this vital sector.
