UAE space sector spending jumps 27.1% to Dh5.52 billion as commercial activity expands
By Dubai Currents Staff2 min read
The UAE Space Agency, together with the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, released the results of its 2025 Space Economic Survey at a workshop in Dubai on 14 October 2026 at 2:51 pm, showing that total spending in the country’s space economy rose 27.1 per cent to Dh5.52 billion. The survey, which measures activity during 2024, provides the latest assessment of the sector’s size and contribution.
Spending and Commercial Growth
The commercial sector accounted for Dh2.64 billion, or 48 per cent, of total space economy spending, highlighting the growing role of private businesses alongside government investment. The increase in spending reflects expanding commercial activity, and the survey notes that growth in value added outpaces spending by more than two to one.
Workforce and Emirati Participation
Emirati employment in the industry rose 27.9 per cent to 1,495 workers, while female employment surged 83.9 per cent. Workers aged between 15 and 35 numbered 1,333, an increase of 29.5 per cent, and women made up 33.5 per cent of the workforce.
“The latest survey results demonstrate the growing economic value of the UAE’s space sector, with growth in value added outpacing spending by more than two to one,” said Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports and Chairman of the UAE Space Agency.
“Our priority is to build on this momentum by attracting investment, enabling UAE-based companies to compete internationally and developing the talent needed to drive the sector’s growth,” he said.
National Space Strategy 2031 Objectives
Al Falasi said the National Space Strategy 2031 aims to position the UAE among the world’s ten largest space economies, targeting a 60 per cent increase in economic value added and a doubling of space economy revenues. It also seeks to expand investment in space assets and infrastructure, increase the number of companies and UAE‑headquartered startups, and widen the international markets served by UAE space exports.
The annual Space Economic Survey measures the size, performance and economic contribution of the UAE’s space sector, covering not only core space companies but also organisations that use space‑derived data to capture activity across the wider ecosystem.
