Since its establishment, the UAE Space Agency has aimed to strengthen the space infrastructure to meet the UAE leadership's aspirations towards building a national space sector, through the expansion of many projects and partnerships and the launch of unique development initiatives and programs. This includes the Space Economic Zones Program, which constitutes a promising vision to stimulate private sector companies and support the acceleration of economic and technological development in space.
The Space Economic Zones Programs aims to create an attractive and integrated business environment to meet local and international needs, enhance the competitiveness of companies operating in the space economy, which contributes to enhancing the demand for space applications and services, in addition to stimulating innovation and growing the sector's economic contribution to the country's non-oil GDP. This supports startups and SMEs, as well as the national space economy, by providing a set of economic incentives and opportunities for expansion and growth in the space sector. This promotes the UAE's position as a leading hub in this vital sector.
One of the Space Economic Zones main incentives is the Space Labs. Through space labs, companies will get the chance to utilize space facilities in the UAE in partnership with space centers, in addition to the space technical consultancy service that will be provided by space expertise. This will enable them to achieve innovation and development in their projects, nurture their technological capabilities, and allow them to compete globally.
The program focuses on establishing Space Economic Zones in different emirates across the country. It offers offices and working spaces at competitive rates in an integrated Space-ecosystem environment that helps companies grow and develop their business. The incentives also include acceleration program opportunities to help space startups and SMEs accelerate their business and take it to the next level.
Through collaboration with local partners, the program offers mentorship, resources, and business development opportunities to businesses. This will enable them to turn their ideas into reality and provide them with financing opportunities to ensure they have access to the capital needed for growth and innovation.
Furthermore, the UAE Space Agency will offer promotion opportunities that will allow companies to expand their space expertise network and get the latest updates of the rapidly growing space sector through participating in various national and international space conferences and events. This contributes to enhancing the position of companies and providing a platform for them to learn about the latest developments in the space sector.
Today, there are more than 180 companies in the Space Economic Zones Program, across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah. This reflects the growing success of the UAE's efforts to enhance the business environment in the space sector and attract local and international companies to work in this promising sector. It also contributes to the diversification of the national economy and promotes innovation and sustainable growth.