The UAE’s National Space Policy
The UAE’s National Space Policy (PDF, 250 KB) aims to build a strong and sustainable space sector that supports and protects national interests and vital industries, contributes to the diversification and growth of the economy, boosts specialized competencies, develops scientific and technological capabilities, engrains the culture of innovation and national pride, and strengthens the UAE’s status and role regionally and globally.
Space Services Policy
The Policy on Space Services (PDF, 1 MB) establishes the broad frequency spectrum and orbital resources aspects of space services in the UAE. It presents the objectives and principles that guide the decision making process of the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) when managing frequency spectrum and the orbital resources, in line with the provisions of Federal Law No. 3 of 2003 as amended and its Executive Order.
The purpose of this policy is to establish an optimal enabling environment for space services, as its scope includes the reception of electromagnetic signals from satellites to the UAE territory, the transmission of electromagnetic signals from within the UAE to satellites by any entity, public or private, as well as the UAE’s satellite network filings.
The UAE Space Law
The space sector in the UAE is governed by Federal Decree Law No. 46 of 2023 Regarding the Organization of the Space Sector (in Arabic, PDF, 7.08 MB)
The law aims to create a regulatory environment to achieve the objectives of the UAE’s National Space Policy, in addition to the following goals:
- stimulating investment and encouraging private sector participation in the space sector activities
- implementing safety, security and environmental measures relating to space activities
- supporting the UAE’s commitment to implement the provisions of international conventions and treaties related to outer space.
Space activities regulated by the law
Article 4 of the law mentions several space activities that the law regulates. The activities are:
- launch, re-enter, remove or dispose a space object from the orbit
- ·operate space objects and satellite communication activities
- provide logistical support services in outer space
- manage space data activities
- collect or trade meteorites that fall in the UAE.
Requirement of a permit
According to the law, no one may own a space object, carry out or participate in space activities, or establish, use or possess related space facilities without obtaining a permit from UAE Space Agency. The law covers the role of UAE Space Agency as the federal entity in charge of regulating the space sector.
The UAE’s National Space Strategy 2030
In March 2019, the UAE Government launched the National Space Strategy 2030, which sets the general framework for the UAE's space industry and activities carried out by public and private sectors for the years leading up to 2030. Read more on UAE’s National Space Strategy 2030.
As per data of April 2015, THE UAE's investments in space technologies have already exceeded AED20 billion, including investments made in the satellite data and TV broadcast company - Al Yah Satellite Communication, the mobile satellite communication company - Thuraya Satellite Telecommunications and the Earth mapping and observation system - Dubai Sat.
The UAE has launched several satellites which are currently orbiting around the world. Some of them are:
- DubaiSat 1 (launched in 2009)
- DubaiSat 2 (launched in 2013)
- Al Yah 1 (launched in 2011)
- Al Yah 2 (launched in 2012)
- Al Yah 3 (launched in 2018)
- KhalifaSat ( launched in 2018)
- Nayif-1 (launched in 2017)
Earth Stations Regulations
The Regulations on Earth Stations (Version 4.0, PDF, 1 MB) are issued in accordance with the provisions of the UAE Federal Law by Decree No. 3 of 2003 (Telecom Law) as amended and its Executive Order.
It comprise regulatory conditions and frequency ranges for different Frequency Spectrum Authorization including Earth Station, VSAT, Digital Satellite and News Gathering (DGNG), Earth Station on Board Vessel (ESV), Earth Station in Motion (ESIM), Global Mobile Personal Communications by Satellite (GMPCS), and Class Authorization.
The Satellite Services Licensing Guide
TDRA may issue a licence for one or multiple satellite services and/or networks, or may issue a broad satellite license. TDRA may include any conditions it considers necessary in the licence.
Read about it in the Satellite Services Licensing Guide (1 MB, PDF).
Cabinet Resolution No. 19 of 2023 Concerning the Space Resources Regulations mandates areas of compliance to practise space resources activities. It stipulates the following:
- Operators who practice (or apply for Authorisation to practice Space Resources Activities) shall comply with the following conditions before beginning to practice these activities:
- The Operator may not carry out any activities within the scope of Space Resources Activities that would constitute a danger or threaten the State ability to comply with any international legal obligations.
- The Agency shall be provided with all required information, including technical information and risk assessments, as required by the Agency.
- The evidence proving that the Operator has taken all necessary measures to prevent or mitigate the following shall be submitted:
- Risks that threaten the safety of people or property
- Damage that may be caused to people or property
- Harmful effects on the Earth’s environment
- Harmful pollution in outer space, including celestial bodies
- Space Debris Production
- Harmful interference with ongoing Space Activities, including activities of other Space Resources.
- The Operator shall, upon receipt of the Authorisation and commencement of Space Resources Activities, keep the Agency informed of the latest developments regarding the progress of Space Resources Activities and comply with all instructions issued by the Agency in the event of an emergency or the possibility of physical risks arising from Space Resources Activities.
- The Agency may request any additional information or evaluations necessary (including financial and technical evaluations) before granting the Authorisation.
- The Operator (or applicant, as the case may be) shall comply with all applicable regulations issued by the Cabinet and the Agency, including those relating to liability coverage.
Read more:
- Policies and regulations – UAE Space Agency
Updated On :
14 May 2025
