UAE Space Agency

UAE Space Agency is a federal United Arab Emirates government agency founded by Federal Decree No. 1 of 2014, with financial and administrative independence and a mandate to develop, organise, regulate, and coordinate the national space sector ^[1][2]. It is based in Abu Dhabi with a Dubai branch, and official material lists Salem Butti Salem Al Qubaisi as Director General ^[2][3].

For Earth-observation market mapping, UAE Space Agency is primarily a policy, licensing, and coordination authority rather than a spacecraft manufacturer or mission operator ^[2][4]. UAE space law places permits for space activities in the national regulatory path, making the agency relevant to commercial and institutional space activity authorisation in the country ^[4]. The agency's role should be separated from emirate-level operating organisations when assessing UAE mission ownership, procurement, and regulatory exposure ^[2][5].