U.S. Delegation Unites to Explore UAE and GCC Space Sector Opportunities
The delegation explored opportunities in the UAE and GCC space sectors, marking one of the largest U.S. space delegations engaging with regional opportunities.
An official U.S. Trade and U.S. Chamber of Commerce delegation attended a briefing in Dubai on December 9th 2024 ahead of the 2nd Abu Dhabi Space Debate, a global forum focused on the future of space exploration and sustainability. UAE-based space advisory and investment firm AzurX, hosted a session exploring the transformative potential of the UAE and GCC space sectors, emphasizing opportunities for bilateral collaboration and investment. This marks the first-ever space business delegation from the U.S. to the UAE, underscoring the growing partnership between the two nations in advancing space collaboration, trade, and investment.
The delegation included representatives from prominent U.S. space industry leaders including Axiom Space, Northrop Grumman, Maxar Intelligence, Planet, LeoLabs, AE Industrial Partners, Capella Space and L3 Harris Technologies. The agenda emphasized the region’s dynamic growth in space exploration and commercial ventures, highlighting pathways for strategic partnerships.
Steve Lutes, Vice President of Middle East Affairs at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, commented, “Collaborations like these are key to driving innovation and economic growth in the global space industry. The UAE’s commitment to advancing space technologies offers unparalleled opportunities for U.S. companies to engage, invest, and contribute to this rapidly developing ecosystem.”
This event highlights the UAE’s active participation in fostering international collaboration and influencing global space initiatives.
Anna Hazlett, Founder and Principal of AzurX, highlighted the U.S. efforts to strengthen UAE and regional GCC collaboration, in one of the fastest-growing space regions in terms of budgets, programs and investment. ““We are motivated to continue working alongside U.S. partners to shape a thriving space economy in the UAE and across the region.”
Dr. John Sheldon, Partner at AzurX, provided the delegation with a comprehensive briefing on the regional space landscape and recent developments, drawing on his expertise as a recognized subject matter expert in the field. His insights offered valuable context and understanding of the opportunities, challenges, and trends shaping the space sector in the GCC.
After the briefing, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Advanced Science and Technology H.E. Omran Sharaf provided valuable insights into the UAE’s strategic approach to space exploration, highlighting its role in fostering innovation, economic diversification, and global collaboration. His remarks underscored the importance of partnerships in achieving the nation’s ambitious space objectives.
H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and member of the newly established National Supreme Space Council Chaired by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, shared the ministry's perspective on the space sector as a critical pillar of the UAE's sustainable growth strategy. He emphasized the sector’s potential to attract international investments, drive technological advancements, and create high-value regional opportunities. His Excellency spotlighted the National Supreme Space Council’s role as pivotal for advancing the UAE’s space ambitions.
This event reflects continued efforts to strengthen international partnerships and support the long-term development of the space sector in the UAE and GCC region.
