Benefits of international space economy to form key focus at Global Space Congress

• Global space economy is estimated to be worth more than USD 350 billion

• International space sector leaders will convene in Abu Dhabi at the second edition of Global Space Congress in March 2019

6 February 2019 – Abu Dhabi, UAE: The opportunities for growth in the international space economy will form a key focus area for the second Global Space Congress, which will be hosted by the UAE Space Agency in Abu Dhabi.

The Congress, taking place at St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort between 19 – 21 March 2019, is a significant global platform for emerging space entities to connect, collaborate and engage with the international commercial space industry. International space agencies and organizations are increasingly looking towards cooperation and partnership and the UAE is leading the Middle East region in terms of driving space exploration and the commercial space industry.

The Congress will highlight opportunities for UAE entities to contribute to and benefit from space technologies and identify ways for the UAE to demonstrate its own contribution to the space industry through transferable technology in areas such as energy, sustainability and water.

The UAE has invested an estimated more than AED 22 billion in space projects, successfully establishing a strong and diversified space sector. The UAE is also home to several pioneering and competitive institutions in the field of satellite communications and satellite broadcasting as well as four research and development centers specializing in space science and technology.

Globally, the space economy is estimated to be worth more than USD 350 billion, with commercial activities accounting for more than 76% of this sum. International space industry players are increasingly interested in cooperating and partnering with the companies and organizations who make up the Middle East’s rapidly developing space and aerospace sector.

The Global Space Congress brings together Heads of Space Agencies, C-Level executives from leading space and aerospace companies, government ministries, top researchers and academics to foster international collaboration and address both upstream and downstream challenges. The congress is one of the few international space forums held in the Middle East, and provides attendees with unique opportunities to interface with regional businesses and government entities involved in the space and aerospace sectors.

H.E. Dr Mohammed Al Ahbabi, Director General of the UAE Space Agency, said: “Our presence in the global space industry is maintaining significant growth, as we continue placing an emphasis on international collaboration and cooperation. As such, we are committed to engaging with our high-level counterparts on a continuous basis. The Global Space Congress is central to the development of the local space industry, and will be responsible for facilitating significant levels of foreign direct investment into the sector.”

Nicholas Webb, Managing Partner of Streamline Marketing Group, the event organizers, commented: “After its incredibly successful inaugural edition, the Global Space Congress has quickly established itself as an ideal platform for space sector thought leaders from all across the world. Returning for its second edition, we look forward to welcoming global space leaders to Abu Dhabi once again, to discuss the ever-expanding applications of space technologies, as well as establish new ways of meeting the demands of this rapidly expanding industry.”

The Congress will identify ways to promote the UAE’s collective programs and projects to a global audience, communicating as one voice with current and potential partners to demonstrate the importance of space to the UAE’s Economic Development Program, and drive awareness of UAE space activities and space capabilities among key UAE sectors.

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