UAE Space Contractors

The UAE’s investments in space technologies has already exceeded AED20 billion, including satellite data and TV broadcast company Al Yah Satellite Communications, mobile satellite communication company Thuraya Satellite Telecommunications and Earth mapping and observation system Dubai Sat. The UAE operated more than 7 satellites in 2015 for both commercial and Milsatcom use.

Thuraya Telecommunications Company is an industry leading MSS operator and a global telecommunication provider offering innovative communications solutions to a variety of sectors including energy, broadcast media, maritime, military and humanitarian NGO. Thuraya Telecommunications Company was the first satellite operator to be founded in the UAE.

Al Yah Satellite Communications Company PrJSC (“Yahsat”) provides multipurpose satellite solutions (government and commercial) for broadband, broadcast, government, and communications use across the Middle East, Africa, and Europe in addition to Central and South West Asia. Based in Abu Dhabi, UAE, and wholly owned by Mubadala Development Company PJSC, the investment vehicle of the Government of Abu Dhabi, Yahsat is the first company in the Middle East and Africa to offer multi-purpose satellite services.

The Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) was created and established by the Dubai Government in 2015. The Centre is integral to the strategic initiative put in place by the government to inspire scientific innovation, technological advancement, and to advance sustainable development in Dubai and the wider UAE.

Emirates Institute for Advanced Science & Technology (EIAST) was created and established by the Dubai Government in 2006. According to EIAST’s mission statement, EIAST comprises a team of leading UAE engineers, analysts and experts, all working towards positioning the UAE as an internationally renowned leader within the field of science and technology. By developing new technology, expertise, and intellectual property, it is hoped that the UAE can emerge as a global front-runner within the industry.

"The establishment of a fully-fledged space sector in the UAE, with all necessary human resources, infrastructure and scientific research, is a primary national objective," UAE's Prime Minister and Vice President Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said, announcing the strategic plan. The Gulf federation was quickly establishing itself as the Middle East’s leading nation in space. In April 2015, it announced a partnership with France’s space agency CNES, and also explored opportunities to build strategic ties with NASA.

The Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) was founded by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in 2015 when it was integrated with the existing Emirates Institution for Advanced Science & Technology (EIAST). According to the editor of Space Alert, Dr. Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan, in addition to the Mars Mission, the center is focused on building remote-sensing satellites with the objective of creating a fully autonomous and indigenous capability to design and manufacture satellites in the U.A.E. The center has scientific laboratories and research facilities based in Dubai.

Abu Dhabi-based Khalifa University opened its new Spacecraft Platform for Astronautic and Celestial Emulation (SPACE) laboratory in 2015. The SPACE lab is equipped with special Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV’s), robots and sensing systems that help to mimic actual conditions in space. The lab provides students with an opportunity to conduct mission-oriented research, and get hands on experience in conducting experiments for sensing, guidance, dynamics, and control of aerospace and space operations in a suitable environment.