The United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) space vision focuses on establishing a permanent presence on the Moon and developing space resources as humans return to the lunar surface.
Al-Qasim outlined the UAE’s future goals at the 77th International Astronautical Congress held in Antalya. He said Türkiye holds a leading position in space and space-related advanced technology industries, and expressed his satisfaction that the congress was being held in Türkiye.
Date set for asteroid belt mission
Al-Qasim said the UAE began its space activities approximately 30 years ago and announced that the Emirates’ asteroid belt mission is planned to begin in the first quarter of 2028.
Al-Qasim said the country has four astronauts, two of whom have flown to the International Space Station, while the other two are waiting for opportunities to take part in missions.
Private sector’s share exceeds 50 percent
Al-Qasim said giving the private sector a greater role is central to the UAE’s space strategy for the coming period. He said governments allocate resources to space because of its positive contributions to technological development and the economy.
Al-Qasim said the private sector’s influence in the UAE’s space ecosystem is growing, adding that more than 50 percent of the funding allocated to space comes from the private sector.
Goal of a permanent lunar presence and access to resources
Al-Qasim said space activities present various challenges, but opportunities will expand in the coming period, adding that advancing technologies will increase the space capabilities of small and medium-sized countries.
He said advances in artificial intelligence and advanced robotics will enable smaller-scale space programs to achieve results beyond their own capabilities.
Al-Qasim said he expects humans to return to the lunar surface in the coming years and establish a permanent presence there for people. He added that, alongside space research, programs to extract rare metals and other resources from space and bring them to Earth will also come onto the agenda.
