The Middle East’s space sector could be worth $75 billion by 2032, helping to play a crucial role in the global space economy in the coming decade, research has found.
Released on Monday at the Middle East Space Conference in Muscat, Oman, a 16-page document lists the rapid growth in the region, including investment in satellites, services and exploration missions.
The white paper, titled Beyond the Stars: Middle East’s Space Ecosystem on the Move, said the region’s space economy tripled over the past decade to an estimated value of $25 billion last year and would take a share of 8.5 per cent in the global space economy by the start of the next decade.
The UAE is currently leading the way in the region, having sent two astronauts to the International Space Station, developing the region’s most advanced satellites and recently announced it would provide an airlock module to Nasa’s planned Moon-orbiting station.
Steve Bochinger of Euroconsult, the organiser of the conference, said the rise was due to a “shifting power balance” in the global space arena.
“If you look back 25 years ago, space was essentially reserved and concentrated in terms of investment and capabilities into a few historical space nations that were dominating the landscape,” he said.
“This landscape has diversified massively and we are truly not a multipolar environment.
"More than 80 countries invest in space and that's because space has proved to be a valuable investment for countries to support their social economic development, but also to address strategic challenges in a very complex geopolitical environment.
“And in this context, I think the Middle East is actually a one of the most, if not the most, dynamic region, in terms of acceleration of government strategies and ambitions."
Several officials from space agencies in the region spoke about their projects at the conference.
Mohammed Algassim, sector head of planning and development at the Saudi Space Agency, said his government's focus would be on space exploration and science, and to develop the kingdom's private sector.
Saudi Arabia sent two astronauts – Rayyanah Barnawi, the first Arab woman to embark on a space mission, and Ali Al Qarni – to the International Space Station last year.
They carried out an eight-day mission on the floating laboratory and had joined Emirati astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi, bringing the Arab population in space to a record number of three.
Mr Algassim added: "New space activities, those that have potential to be viable, the government will step in and work on those – for example space debris removal, the International Space Station and sector enablement.
"So, the focus of the government would be on the non-commercial activities - 70 per cent of the budget will go there and the focus of the private sector will be on the downstream value added services."
Omani officials also shared their plans, including the construction of a commercial spaceport and a research centre for simulation missions and experiments.
A contract with spaceflight consultant UK Launch Services was awarded last year to help develop the spaceport in Duqm, a port town in Oman.
The spaceport would be able to support small and big launch vehicles, which could help Oman and neighbouring countries gain easier access to space.
The country is also working with universities to launch space engineering labs for students.
"One thing that we are also focusing on is to develop start-ups in the space sector," said Dr Ali Al Shidhani, undersecretary of the Ministry, Communications and Information Technology in Oman.
"The ministry is working on launching a space accelerator to help."
If you go
The flights
There are direct flights from Dubai to Sofia with FlyDubai (www.flydubai.com) and Wizz Air (www.wizzair.com), from Dh1,164 and Dh822 return including taxes, respectively.
The trip
Plovdiv is 150km from Sofia, with an hourly bus service taking around 2 hours and costing $16 (Dh58). The Rhodopes can be reached from Sofia in between 2-4hours.
The trip was organised by Bulguides (www.bulguides.com), which organises guided trips throughout Bulgaria. Guiding, accommodation, food and transfers from Plovdiv to the mountains and back costs around 170 USD for a four-day, three-night trip.
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League quarter-final (first-leg score):
Juventus (1) v Ajax (1), Tuesday, 11pm UAE
Match will be shown on BeIN Sports
Five famous companies founded by teens
There are numerous success stories of teen businesses that were created in college dorm rooms and other modest circumstances. Below are some of the most recognisable names in the industry:
- Facebook: Mark Zuckerberg and his friends started Facebook when he was a 19-year-old Harvard undergraduate.
- Dell: When Michael Dell was an undergraduate student at Texas University in 1984, he started upgrading computers for profit. He starting working full-time on his business when he was 19. Eventually, his company became the Dell Computer Corporation and then Dell Inc.
- Subway: Fred DeLuca opened the first Subway restaurant when he was 17. In 1965, Mr DeLuca needed extra money for college, so he decided to open his own business. Peter Buck, a family friend, lent him $1,000 and together, they opened Pete’s Super Submarines. A few years later, the company was rebranded and called Subway.
- Mashable: In 2005, Pete Cashmore created Mashable in Scotland when he was a teenager. The site was then a technology blog. Over the next few decades, Mr Cashmore has turned Mashable into a global media company.
- Oculus VR: Palmer Luckey founded Oculus VR in June 2012, when he was 19. In August that year, Oculus launched its Kickstarter campaign and raised more than $1 million in three days. Facebook bought Oculus for $2 billion two years later.
UAE%20FIXTURES
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MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, second leg result:
Ajax 2-3 Tottenham
Tottenham advance on away goals rule after tie ends 3-3 on aggregate
Final: June 1, Madrid
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
The biog
Age: 46
Number of Children: Four
Hobby: Reading history books
Loves: Sports
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Gifts exchanged
- King Charles - replica of President Eisenhower Sword
- Queen Camilla - Tiffany & Co vintage 18-carat gold, diamond and ruby flower brooch
- Donald Trump - hand-bound leather book with Declaration of Independence
- Melania Trump - personalised Anya Hindmarch handbag
A%20MAN%20FROM%20MOTIHARI
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THE BIO
Favourite place to go to in the UAE: The desert sand dunes, just after some rain
Who inspires you: Anybody with new and smart ideas, challenging questions, an open mind and a positive attitude
Where would you like to retire: Most probably in my home country, Hungary, but with frequent returns to the UAE
Favorite book: A book by Transilvanian author, Albert Wass, entitled ‘Sword and Reap’ (Kard es Kasza) - not really known internationally
Favourite subjects in school: Mathematics and science
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere
Director: Scott Cooper
Starring: Jeremy Allen White, Odessa Young, Jeremy Strong
Rating: 4/5
The specs
Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
Power: 620hp from 5,750-7,500rpm
Torque: 760Nm from 3,000-5,750rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed dual-clutch auto
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh1.05 million ($286,000)
MORE ON TURKEY'S SYRIA OFFENCE
Tamkeen's offering
- Option 1: 70% in year 1, 50% in year 2, 30% in year 3
- Option 2: 50% across three years
- Option 3: 30% across five years
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
PROFILE BOX:
Company/date started: 2015
Founder/CEO: Rami Salman, Rishav Jalan, Ayush Chordia
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Technology, Sales, Voice, Artificial Intelligence
Size: (employees/revenue) 10/ 100,000 downloads
Stage: 1 ($800,000)
Investors: Eight first-round investors including, Beco Capital, 500 Startups, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Hala Fadel, Odin Financial Services, Dubai Angel Investors, Womena, Arzan VC
Know before you go
- Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
- If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
- By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
- Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
- Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.
SPECS
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Company%C2%A0profile
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Scoreline
Chelsea 1
Azpilicueta (36')
West Ham United 1
Hernandez (73')
Porsche Macan T: The Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo
Power: 265hp from 5,000-6,500rpm
Torque: 400Nm from 1,800-4,500rpm
Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch auto
Speed: 0-100kph in 6.2sec
Top speed: 232kph
Fuel consumption: 10.7L/100km
On sale: May or June
Price: From Dh259,900
The%20specs
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