Federal Law No. 12 of 2019: Regulation of the Space Sector in the UAE

The UAE has significantly emerged as a strong player in global space. The country enacted Federal Law no 12 on the regulations of the space sector to regulate it. This was a historic step taken back in 2019.The core goal for establishing UAE space laws is, to regulate the laws related to space in United Arab Emirates. There was an establishment of a legal framework that administers the space-related activities. It is done to ensure security and safety. Besides, it supports the sustainable policies and also advocates for compliance with international practices.

Primarily, the federal law No. 12 assimilates about regulating the investment in the Space sector in the UAE. Besides, it accelerates more investment into the sector by encouraging participation from various sectors. It has motivated the private sector, public sector, and academic sectors to indulge in space-related activities in United Arab Emirates.

Furthermore, it ensures the protection of space-related endeavors. These efforts are also dedicated to securing the environment and ensuring environment-friendly policies.

All the efforts of the UAE space sector are aligned with the international treaties and conventions concerning space. UAE is an integral part of this and thus plays a sensible and responsible role by regulating it.

Added, there has been an established framework that encourages more innovation in technology. It has immensely contributed to the sustainable development of the space sector in the UAE.

Where the laws apply to space-related activities and operations. The activities that are conducted within the airspace of the UAE and its territory come under it. Besides, it also accounts for the establishments within and outside the UAE.

Licensing and Authorization are a crucial aspect of the Space sector in the UAE. The entities and enterprises that are engaged in or planning to get involved in space-related activities or operations needs to obtain authorization from the UAE space agency.

The UAE space agency is the governing body of the Emirates that handles all the activities and operations related to space. Licenses are mainly granted for the commercial space activities.

Besides, approvals are also needed for all types of non-commercial activities. It may include scientific research by private sector, the government sector, or academic institutions.

The UAE space laws ensure that the ships, aircraft, satellites, spacecraft, and other objects are registered with the UAE authorities.

A great number of UAE space sector activities are regulated. It includes a broad spectrum of activities that require authorization and licensing. The launching and re-entry of space objects are properly regulated.

All operations of space objects are conducted once after approval. It includes satellites, spacecraft, and much more. All kinds of communication in space via satellite and remote sensing are governed under the UAE space laws.

They also handle the space navigation and earth observation, followed by the regulations. The exploration and utilization of space resources for commercial and scientific purposes required authorization; without it, it’s impossible.

Any manufacturing, transportation, logistics, or disposal of space technology is done as per the UAE space laws.  Any kind of construction and manned spaceflights installation within space or celestial bodies also requires permits.

​All the applicants should display a financial and technical capability. In addition, they also need to follow the safety measures along with environmental standards. The compliance with international conventions and treaties is an obligation for the applicants.

The UAE Space Agency is a regulatory authority of the UAE that is entrusted with a wide range of responsibilities. It includes the licensing issuance along with the approvals required for all kinds of space activities.

Further, they are responsible for monitoring the compliance of the entities and applicants with the UAE space laws and international obligations.

They maintain a comprehensive record of space objects and meteorites that facilitates international collaboration for various activities. It also assists in international cooperation and coordination in space. They also advocate the research and exploration regarding space that takes the UAE to the next level.