Launching the UAE to Orbit | American University in Dubai

Overview

Launching the UAE to Orbit is a landmark public event hosted at the American University in Dubai. This open-format workshop explores the strategic, economic, scientific, and technological dimensions of the UAE’s expanding space sector.

It brings together national space institutions, private industry, and academia to examine the UAE’s vision for sustainable growth and long-term leadership in space.

The event coincides with several national milestones, including:

50th
Anniversary of His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s NASA Encounter

20th
Anniversary of the Emirates Institution for Advanced Science & Technology / MBRSC

12th
Anniversary of the UAE Space Agency

6th
Anniversary of the Hope Probe

Inspire students by showcasing real-world career pathways, innovation opportunities, and national achievements in space science and technology.
Highlight space as a strategic sector in UAE economic diversification and global competitiveness.
Bridge academia, government, and industry through dialogue between students, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and investors.
Promote awareness of opportunities in the space economy: entrepreneurship, policy development, AI applications, and commercialization.
Strengthen AUD’s role as a thought leader in space economics, innovation, and interdisciplinary education.

The event will address topics including:

UAE’s Future in Space: Vision and Strategy
Mars and the Moon: Missions and Updates
AI and Space: Advances, Applications, Opportunities
Financing Space Ventures: Challenges and Opportunities
Monetising Space: Economics of Orbital Access

University and high school students (AUD & external)
Space entrepreneurs & start-ups
Investors & financial institutions
Policymakers & government entities
Industry professionals & academics
Public interested in space, innovation, and the data-driven economy

Program Schedule

3:00 PM

UAE National Anthem

3:01 PM

Welcome by Dr. Kyle Long, President, AUD

3:10 PM

Welcome by H.E. Eng Salem Al Qubaisi, Director General, UAE Space Agency

3:20 PM

Panel 1 – Our Future in Space

4:15 PM

Panel 2 – Opportunities in Space

5:00 PM

Photo Op – Agency Stand Visits – Informal Networking

5:30 PM

End of Event

Moderator: Dr. Wissam El Khoury, Associate Dean, AUD School of Business

3:20 PM

Dr. Assaad Farah, Provost, AUD

3:25 PM

UAE’s Future in Space: Vision & Strategy, UAE Space Agency

3:40 PM

Mars & the Moon: Missions & Update, Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre

3:55 PM

Frontiers in Space Science & Earth Observation, National Space Science & Technology Center

4:05 PM

Q&A – All

Moderator: Dr. Wissam El Khoury, Associate Dean, AUD School of Business

4:15 PM

Dr. Wissam El Khoury, Associate Dean, AUD Business School

4:20 PM

AI & Space: Advances, Applications, Opportunities, Technology Innovation Institute

4:30 PM

Financing Space Ventures: Challenges & Opportunities, DIFC Innovation Hub

4:40 PM

The Economics of Orbital Access, Dr. Armen V. Papazian, VAssoc. Prof. of Space Economics, AUD

4:50 PM

Launching the
UAE to Orbit

Exploring the UAE’s Vision for Sustainable Leadership in Space

March 31, 2026

3:00pm to 6:30pm

AUD Campus

Overview

The event coincides with several national milestones, including:

The event will address topics including:

Program Schedule

UAE National Anthem

Welcome by Dr. Kyle Long, President, AUD

Welcome by H.E. Eng Salem Al Qubaisi, Director General, UAE Space Agency

Panel 1 – Our Future in Space

Panel 2 – Opportunities in Space

Photo Op – Agency Stand Visits – Informal Networking

End of Event

Dr. Assaad Farah, Provost, AUD

UAE’s Future in Space: Vision & Strategy, UAE Space Agency

Mars & the Moon: Missions & Update, Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre

Frontiers in Space Science & Earth Observation, National Space Science & Technology Center

Q&A – All

Dr. Wissam El Khoury, Associate Dean, AUD Business School

AI & Space: Advances, Applications, Opportunities, Technology Innovation Institute

Financing Space Ventures: Challenges & Opportunities, DIFC Innovation Hub

The Economics of Orbital Access, Dr. Armen V. Papazian, VAssoc. Prof. of Space Economics, AUD

Q&A – All

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