[2026 Future Enterprise Forum] "UAE Launched Its First Satellite with Korea... Rising as the Middle East Space Hub"

Al Ghaferi Delivers Keynote Address at MBRSC

"The Core of Space Industry Growth Lies in a Clear National Vision"

UAE Achieves Independent Satellite Launch in Just a Decade

Aiming for Lunar Far-Side Exploration and Actively Investing in Astronaut Training

The United Arab Emirates (UAE), a major oil producer, has emerged as a key player in the Middle East space industry, achieving independent satellite development and Mars probe orbital entry just over a decade after launching its first satellite in collaboration with South Korea. Amer Al Sayeh Al Ghaferi, Deputy Director of Space Engineering at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), cited a clear national vision and consistent project execution as crucial factors for the growth of the space industry.

During his keynote speech at the '2026 Asia Future Enterprise Forum' held at Lotte Hotel in Sogong-dong, Seoul, on May 13, Al Ghaferi stated, "South Korea possesses strong capabilities in fields such as satellites, launch vehicles, artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, robotics, and manufacturing." He emphasized, "The key is to bring together these strengths under a clear national vision and to pursue them consistently and over the long term."

Amer Al Sayeh Al Ghaferi, Deputy Secretary of the Space Engineering Division at Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Center, is delivering the keynote speech titled "From the Desert to Space: The Rise of the Middle Eastern Space Industry and the UAE's Challenge" at the "2026 Asia Future Business Forum" held at Lotte Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul on the 13th. 2026.5.13 Photo by Jinhyung Kang

The UAE's space development began to grow in earnest with the establishment of MBRSC in 2006. MBRSC is now the UAE’s leading space agency, employing more than 200 people. Al Ghaferi has been involved with the center since its early days, playing a pivotal role in major projects. He also participated in the development of 'KhalifaSat,' the UAE's first domestically developed satellite.

Collaboration with South Korea was a significant factor in the early growth of MBRSC's space industry. In 2006, the center partnered with South Korean satellite developer Satrec Initiative to successfully develop its first satellites, 'DubaiSat-1' and 'DubaiSat-2.' He noted, "The essence of the UAE space program started here in the Republic of Korea," and added, "Our collaboration with Satrec Initiative greatly contributed to building the foundation and growth of the UAE space industry."

Amer Al Sayeh Al Ghaffari, Deputy Secretary of the Space Engineering Division at Mohamed bin Rashid Space Centre, is delivering a keynote speech on the topic "From Desert to Space: The Rise of Middle Eastern Space Industry and UAE's Challenge" at the "2026 Asia Future Business Forum" held at Lotte Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul on May 13, 2026. Photo by Kang Jinhyung

Within just over a decade of its establishment, MBRSC achieved explosive technological growth, developing its independently built satellite KhalifaSat in 2018. Last year, it launched 'MBZ-SAT,' its fourth Earth observation satellite and the most advanced in the Middle East. The environmental testing for this satellite was conducted at the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI), and MBRSC and KARI also signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for cooperation in space activities and knowledge exchange.

Al Ghaferi stressed that the success of satellite development extends beyond mere technological accumulation. He explained that not only has the UAE's international standing in satellite design and manufacturing risen, but also that local UAE companies are now responsible for manufacturing satellite components and have secured contracts for satellite system development and data analysis, indicating the expansion of the country's space industry ecosystem.

Amer Al Sayeh Al Ghaffari, Deputy Director of Space Engineering at Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, is giving a keynote speech on the theme "From Desert to Space: The Rise of the Middle East Space Industry and the UAE's Challenge" at the "2026 Asia Future Business Forum" held on May 13 at Lotte Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul. 2026.5.13 Photo by Jinhyung Kang

MBRSC is actively investing in industrial advancement, including lunar far-side exploration and astronaut training. In 2019, it sent its first UAE astronaut to the International Space Station (ISS), and in 2021, another astronaut undertook a long-duration mission. Al Ghaferi emphasized, "The UAE's investment in astronaut training aims to spread a culture of exploration throughout society and to establish a new future vision based on a knowledge economy."

The UAE's space development is regarded as a leading example of a latecomer’s success, having started with technology cooperation with South Korea under a clear national vision and advancing to independent satellite development and Mars exploration. MBRSC plans to further advance the space industry ecosystem by expanding its lunar rover development and astronaut training programs. Al Ghaferi stated, "We do not see space as a means of competition. Space is where we collaborate and where we grow together."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.