February 23, 2026
Methodology About Newsletter
WE THE UAE 2031
The Vanderbilt Terminal for the UAE's National Transformation
INDEPENDENT GLOBAL INTELLIGENCE FOR THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
UAE GDP: AED 2.03T ▲ 5.7% | Non-Oil GDP Share: 84.3% ▼ -5.2pp | FDI Inflows: $45.6B ▲ 48.7% | GDP Growth: 4.0% ▲ -0.3pp vs 2023 | Inflation: 1.7% ▼ +0.0pp vs 2023 | Female Participation: 55.1% ▲ +0.6pp vs 2023 | Population: 11.0M ▲ 4.8% | Emiratisation Rate: 12.5% ▲ 2.1pp | Global Competitiveness: #7 ▲ 3 places | Clean Energy Capacity: 7.2 GW ▲ 18.4% | ADX Index: 9,842 ▲ 4.7% | DFM Index: 4,621 ▲ 6.2% | UAE GDP: AED 2.03T ▲ 5.7% | Non-Oil GDP Share: 84.3% ▼ -5.2pp | FDI Inflows: $45.6B ▲ 48.7% | GDP Growth: 4.0% ▲ -0.3pp vs 2023 | Inflation: 1.7% ▼ +0.0pp vs 2023 | Female Participation: 55.1% ▲ +0.6pp vs 2023 | Population: 11.0M ▲ 4.8% | Emiratisation Rate: 12.5% ▲ 2.1pp | Global Competitiveness: #7 ▲ 3 places | Clean Energy Capacity: 7.2 GW ▲ 18.4% | ADX Index: 9,842 ▲ 4.7% | DFM Index: 4,621 ▲ 6.2% |

Definition

SpaceTech (space technology) refers to the technologies, systems, and applications involved in space exploration, satellite manufacturing and operations, launch systems, space-based data services, and emerging commercial space activities. The sector includes Earth observation satellites, communication systems, navigation technology, space science research, and the growing commercial space economy encompassing space tourism, in-orbit services, and asteroid mining concepts.

UAE Context

The UAE has rapidly developed one of the most ambitious space programs among emerging space nations. The UAE Space Agency, established in 2014, coordinates national space strategy. The Emirates Mars Mission (Hope Probe), launched in 2020, made the UAE the first Arab nation and fifth country globally to reach Mars orbit, studying the Martian atmosphere. The Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre operates Earth observation satellites including the KhalifaSat, the first satellite fully developed by Emirati engineers. The UAE has trained and sent astronauts to the International Space Station, with Sultan Al Neyadi completing a six-month mission in 2023. The National Space Strategy 2030 aims to develop a competitive space industry and attract global space companies to the UAE.

Key Data

  • Space agency: UAE Space Agency (established 2014)
  • Mars mission: Hope Probe orbiting Mars since February 2021
  • Satellites: KhalifaSat and other Earth observation systems
  • Astronaut missions: ISS missions including six-month extended stays
  • Strategic plan: National Space Strategy 2030

Significance for Vision 2031

SpaceTech directly supports the UAE’s Vision 2031 by building advanced scientific capability, inspiring STEM talent, and creating high-value industrial capacity. The space sector represents a strategic diversification investment that positions the UAE as a technology leader. Satellite data supports critical applications in climate monitoring, urban planning, agriculture, and national security. The long-term Emirates Mars 2117 project envisions building a human settlement on Mars within a century.