Dubai Airshow and the UAE Space Agency have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the second day of Dubai Airshow 2021. The two parties will collaborate to further position Dubai Airshow as a key platform for companies and investors in the space sector. The partnership will support organizations looking to establish a presence at future editions of the event and will enable space companies to benefit from the participation, engagements, networking and agreements created at Dubai Airshow.
The MoU was signed by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group and Her Excellency Sarah Bint Yousif Al Amiri, Minister of State for Advanced Technology, Chairwoman of the UAE Space Agency.
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed commented: “The space sector continues to be a vital industry for the UAE, one that has already inspired a generation of future astronauts and space scientists. Globally there are an increasing number of space organizations and new players investing in the space sector. Dubai Airshow will accelerate its focus on space by creating exciting new prospects for regional and global space players from both public and private sectors. This agreement will help strengthen the Airshow’s space offering and lead to even more partnerships, collaborations and projects in the future.”
Her Excellency Sarah bint Youssef Al Amiri, Minister of State for Advanced Technology and Chairwoman of the UAE Space Agency, said: “Enhancing cooperation locally and globally is a key part of our ongoing efforts to stimulate the space industry and increase its economic contribution. Partnerships play an important role in building a knowledge and innovation-driven economy and our agreement with the Dubai Airshow aims to provide a platform for companies to showcase their products, services, and innovation. They will benefit significantly from the opportunities the event offers with the potential to deepen ties, attract investment and catalyze private sector expansion.”
Her Excellency added: “The Dubai Airshow plays a vital role in developing the global aviation sector and we are proud to have supported this crucial exhibition since the UAE Space Agency was established in 2014. Our new partnership will contribute to our shared ambition of creating an attractive and competitive national space industry that contributes to growth, innovation and human progress for the next 50 years.”
Dubai Airshow and the UAE Space Agency will work together to coordinate space strategies and initiatives to enhance the space sector presence for future events. They will also work together to host high-level, senior delegations at the Dubai Airshow. As part of the agreement, they will launch specific projects and competitions that will attract startups and SMEs.
Almost 150 countries are represented at this year’s Airshow which includes 20 country pavilions and new additions from the Czech Republic, Belgium, Brazil, Israel, and Slovakia. There are also civil and military delegations from more than 140 countries with more than 370 new exhibitors at the event. This year’s Dubai Airshow is the biggest edition of the event since it began in 1989, with around 85,000 visitors attending across the week.
Dubai Airshow 2021 is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.