By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
The European Space Agency
(ESA) is seeking to expand its cooperation with the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
across several areas of space technology, including Earth observation, science,
quantum technologies, artificial intelligence (AI), sustainability and
commercial space.
ESA Director General Josef
Aschbacher made this known following a visit to the UAE, where he observed the
pace at which the country's space capabilities and commercial ecosystem are
developing.
He said Europe and the UAE
already have a strong basis for cooperation, particularly in exploration, but
noted that both sides are looking towards a broader and more systematic
partnership.
“For ESA, expanding our
international partnerships is important. The UAE brings ambition, speed and a
rapidly growing industrial base, while Europe brings world-class scientific,
engineering and industrial capabilities. There is real potential in bringing
these strengths together,” Aschbacher said.
He emphasised that the next
step would be to turn the existing potential into a solid, long-lasting and
deep partnership.
The proposed expansion
reflects growing opportunities for collaboration between Europe and the UAE in
advancing space exploration, scientific research, technological development and
commercial activities.
Aschbacher described the
visit as valuable, providing an opportunity to see first-hand the speed at
which the UAE's space capabilities and commercial ecosystem are developing.
