What was the total spending in the UAE's space economy?

The total spending in the UAE's space economy reached **AED 5.52 billion**, marking a 27.1% increase from the previous survey.

How much did the private sector contribute to the UAE's space economy?

The commercial (private) sector accounted for **AED 2.64 billion**, representing **48%** of the total space economy expenditure, highlighting its significant role.

What is the growth rate for Emirati employment in the space sector?

Emirati employment in the space industry increased by **27.9%**, bringing the total number of Emiratis working in the sector to **1,495**.

How has female participation changed in the UAE space industry?

Female employment in the sector surged by **83.9%**, and women now constitute **33.5%** of the overall workforce in the UAE space industry.

What are the key goals of the National Space Strategy 2031?

The National Space Strategy 2031 aims to position the UAE among the world's top 10 space economies, targeting a **60% increase in economic value added** and a **doubling of space economy revenues**.

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Economy·15 October 2026

UAE Space Economy Spending Jumps 27.1% to AED 5.52 Billion as Commercial Activity Expands

The UAE Space Agency's latest survey reveals the nation's space economy grew by 27.1% to AED 5.52 billion, driven by expanding commercial activity and a significant increase in national talent, particularly Emirati women

The UAE's space economy saw a substantial increase in total spending, reaching AED 5.52 billion, a 27.1% rise compared to the previous survey. This growth is primarily attributed to a surge in commercial activity and a notable expansion of the workforce, especially among national talent.

The findings were released by the UAE Space Agency in collaboration with the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC) at a workshop in Dubai, detailing activity during 2024.

Key Drivers of Growth

Commercial enterprises contributed significantly to this expansion, accounting for 48% of the total expenditure, or AED 2.64 billion. This highlights the increasing involvement of private businesses alongside ongoing government investment in advancing the UAE's space sector.

Talent Development and Nationalisation

The survey also underscored impressive growth in national talent within the sector:

The number of Emiratis employed in the industry increased by 27.9%, reaching 1,495 individuals.
Female employment saw a dramatic rise of 83.9%, with women now making up 33.5% of the sector's workforce.
The segment of employees aged between 15 and 35 grew by 29.5%, totalling 1,333 individuals.

Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports and Chairman of the UAE Space Agency, emphasised that the sector's progress is a result of expanding commercial operations, sustained government funding, and a growing pool of national talent, including women. He stated the priority is to attract further investment, enable UAE-based companies to compete globally, and develop the necessary skills to fuel future growth.

Future Vision

The National Space Strategy 2031 aims to position the UAE among the top 10 global space economies. This strategy targets a 60% increase in economic value added and a doubling of space economy revenues. It also seeks to boost investment in space assets and infrastructure, increase the number of companies and UAE-headquartered startups, and expand the international markets served by UAE space exports.

The annual Space Economic Survey comprehensively measures the size, performance, and economic contributions of the UAE’s space sector, extending its coverage to organisations utilising space-derived data, thus encompassing the broader ecosystem.

Frequently asked

Questions, answered

What was the total spending in the UAE's space economy?: The total spending in the UAE's space economy reached **AED 5.52 billion**, marking a 27.1% increase from the previous survey.
How much did the private sector contribute to the UAE's space economy?: The commercial (private) sector accounted for **AED 2.64 billion**, representing **48%** of the total space economy expenditure, highlighting its significant role.
What is the growth rate for Emirati employment in the space sector?: Emirati employment in the space industry increased by **27.9%**, bringing the total number of Emiratis working in the sector to **1,495**.
How has female participation changed in the UAE space industry?: Female employment in the sector surged by **83.9%**, and women now constitute **33.5%** of the overall workforce in the UAE space industry.
What are the key goals of the National Space Strategy 2031?: The National Space Strategy 2031 aims to position the UAE among the world's top 10 space economies, targeting a **60% increase in economic value added** and a **doubling of space economy revenues**.

Reported by

Google News — UAE Economy & Investment

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This brief was summarised and rewritten by Gaia Living from public reporting. Figures and details reflect the original sources.

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