News DeskDubai, UAE – A delegation of leading French space companies embarked on a strategic mission to the United Arab Emirates from June 3 to June 4 during the “French Space Tour,” an initiative organized by Business France, the national agency supporting the international development of the French economy. This mission aimed to explore new projects and forge robust alliances in the burgeoning space sectors of these dynamic regions.
Marking its second edition, the business expedition featured strategic sessions led by the UAE Space Agency in collaboration with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The first day saw the delegation welcomed at the Dubai office of the UAE Space Agency, where thematic presentations and a VIP tour were facilitated by the Agency and the Centre.
His Excellency Salem Butti Al Qubaisi, Director General of the UAE Space Agency, remarked, “This collaborative effort highlights the UAE’s commitment to advancing our space capabilities and fostering international partnerships. The French Space Tour is a testament to the strength of our bilateral relations and the shared vision of pushing the boundaries of space exploration and innovation.”
Salem Humaid AlMarri, Director General of MBRSC, expressed, “The dynamic collaboration between France and the UAE is a testament to the power of unity, collaboration, and shared vision in driving progress and innovation. The French Space Tour encapsulates this shared aspiration and serves as an exchange of knowledge and expertise, as well as a beacon of mutual growth and progress in space science.”
The delegation’s visit to MBRSC included an exploration of the Centre’s key programs, missions, and latest innovations. On the second day in Abu Dhabi, French companies visited Khalifa University’s R&D laboratories to explore advancements in robotics, drone technologies, and artificial intelligence. The delegation also visited Space 42, a new entity created from the merger of Bayanat and Yahsat, which offers AI-powered geospatial and mobility solutions, Earth observation, satellite communications, IoT, and business intelligence services.
The mission facilitated direct B2B engagements, providing French enterprises a platform to pitch innovative solutions and engage in substantive discussions on critical space industry topics, including satellite technology, space exploration, digital transformation, and space operation security.
Meeting Regional Demand with French Innovation
The UAE’s space market is experiencing unprecedented growth, driven by strategic investments and innovative projects. With €10 billion invested in the sector, the UAE has successfully launched 22 satellites, with 8 more in development. Commercial spending on space has increased by 29.5%, reflecting the country’s commitment to advancing its space capabilities. Emirati satellites now cover 80% of the nation’s needs, providing internet, satellite broadcasting, and mobile communication solutions. The space sector employs over 2800 individuals across more than 80 enterprises, institutions, and infrastructures, including international companies and startups.
Key initiatives include the UAE National Space Program, aimed at sustainably developing the commercial space industry. Future projects like the UAE Space Agency’s Sirb Constellation and the GNSSaS mission underscore the UAE’s role as a pioneering force in the global space industry. MBRSC leads efforts in human spaceflight missions through the UAE Astronaut Program and Earth observation satellite development, including the high-resolution imaging satellite MBZ-SAT, set for launch in October 2024. Additionally, MBRSC collaborates internationally, such as providing the Emirates Airlock, the science and crew airlock module for NASA’s Gateway Lunar Space Station.
France’s Strategic Leadership in the Global Space Sector
French expertise in the space sector is robust and strategically positioned to address the needs of the rapidly evolving global space market. With the rise of new digital technologies and the “Newspace” movement, many domains such as environmental monitoring, telecommunications, transportation, mobility, and healthcare are undergoing significant transformations. Europe remains a leading power in space, with France as a historical driver of this success. The French space sector, steered by CNES (Centre National d’Études Spatiales), bridges the realms of research and industry, making France a critical player in the global space industry.
Axel Baroux, French Trade & Invest Commissioner to the UAE, commented: “France is the historical driver of this European success, thanks to a highly efficient space sector steered by CNES. French space capabilities are comprehensive, encompassing major industrial prime contractors, intermediate-sized enterprises, SMEs, and numerous startups, making it a critical player in the global space industry.”
These combined efforts and competencies position France as a pivotal contributor to both infrastructural expansions and sustainability initiatives in the UAE’s space sector, providing a solid foundation for fruitful international collaboration.
