Dubai to host global space forums ahead of UNISPACE 50th anniversary

ABU DHABI // The UAE Space Agency will host the first of two forums focused the economic and diplomatic roles of the space industry later this year.

The first UNISPACE forum, held in collaboration with the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, will take place in Dubai from November 20 — 24 and feature more than 120 private, government and academic institutes, as well as experts in the field.

Led by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs the event aims to provide a platform to discuss further coordination in the sector as well as utilising space activities for economic and social developments.

Dr Khalifa Al Romaithi, Chairman of the UAE Space Agency said the forum would strengthen UAE’s international standing in the field while highlighting the country’s contributions to the global space sector.

Although dates for the second forum have yet to be announced both events will be preliminary forums leading up to UNISPACE50, the 2018 conference taking place on the 50th anniversary of the first UN Conference on the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space which was held in Vienna in 1968.

The forums are a unique opportunity to highlight the importance of cooperation in the space sector as well gather industry leaders and policymakers from across the globe said Yousuf Al Shaibani, Director General of the MBRSC.

“It is a great source of pride for Dubai to host such distinguished global forums,” he said.