SpaceOps 2023: UAE to host major space conference in March next year

It is the first time an Arab country will host the forum since its inception in 1990

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  Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, visits the International Space Exhibition and Conference in Dubai. All photos: Dubai Media Office

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  Sheikh Mohammed was joined by the country’s four Emirati astronauts at the International Space Exhibition and Conference in Dubai.

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  The International Astronautical Congress is taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre until October 29.

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  Some of the rockets on display at the International Space Exhibition and Conference.

The UAE will host a global space conference in 2023, which will bring together leaders in the space industry.

It is the first time an Arab country will host the Space Operations forum since its inception in 1990.

Emirates won the rights to host the event in 2018 and it was scheduled for 2022 but has now been postponed to 2023.

The international forum is held once every two years and helps space nations explore the latest technologies.

The Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre is organising the conference with the theme Invest in Space to Serve Earth and Beyond. It will be held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from March 5 to 9.

“Dubai SpaceOps is a unique opportunity to meet eastern and western world-class scientists, practitioners, engineers and leaders in the space industry to discuss the hot research topics and state-of-the-art technologies and innovations in the space sector,” Salem Al Marri, director-general of the space centre, said.

He said it was a “valuable opportunity for our distinguished delegates to explore all aspects of space mission operations".

“It also allows them to learn about the latest technologies and opportunities in this sector, and how advanced space technologies can contribute to finding solutions for the future of humanity,” he said.

Last year, the UAE hosted the International Astronautical Congress, the world’s largest space conference, with heads of major space agencies and private companies like Jeff Bezos’s Blue Origin and Lockheed Martin among the participants.

As well as helping space agencies and private companies explore the latest trends in the industry and providing a platform to make breaking announcements, space conferences are also a forum to form new partnerships and secure deals.

Top UAE space moments in 2021 - in pictures

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  The Hope probe was built by 150 Emirati engineers, researchers and scientists. Photo: Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre

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  The first image of Mars taken by the UAE's Hope probe, which arrived at the Red Planet on February 9. EPA

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  Nora Al Matrooshi the first Arab woman to train as an astronaut. Photo: MBRSC

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  Hazza Al Mansouri, left, Nora Al Matrooshi, Mohammed Al Mulla and Sultan Al Neyadi together for the first time at Nasa's Johnson Space Centre in Houston. Photo: MBRSC

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  Sarah al Amiri at the launch of a new project to explore the main asteroid belt, with a Venus fly-by, from 2028. Photo: Ministry of Presidential Affairs / Dubai Media Office

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  Ministers and VIPs listen as Sarah Al Amiri sets out details of the five-year mission. Photo: Ministry of Presidential Affairs / Dubai Media Office

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  The final prototype of the UAE's Rashid lunar rover. Photo: Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre

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  Emirati engineers test parts of the Rashid rover, which will be sent to the Moon in 2022. Photo: MBRSC

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  Blue Origin's rocket New Shepard blasts off carrying Star Trek actor William Shatner, 90, on billionaire Jeff Bezos company's second suborbital tourism flight, October 13, 2021. Reuters

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  Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai on a visit to the 72nd International Astronautical Congress at Dubai World Trade Centre on October 25, 2021. Sheikh Mohammed was accompanied, among others, by Emirati astronauts Hazza Al Mansouri, Sultan Al Neyadi and graduates from the second batch of the UAE Astronaut Programme, Nora Al Matrooshi and Mohammed Al Mulla. Wam

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  The opening ceremony for the International Astronautical Congress took place on October 25 at Dubai World Trade Centre. Photo: Dubai Media Office