Dubai Airshow 2025 to host largest-ever Space Pavilion
Also, a five-day space programme will spotlight collaboration, entrepreneurship and youth engagement
DUBAI – Space will take centre stage at Dubai Airshow 2025 (DAS25) as the event unveils its largest-ever Space Pavilion, in collaboration with the UAE Space Agency, one of the Airshow’s strategic partners.
The much-anticipated five-day space programme will gather international space agencies, technology pioneers, startups, investors and academic institutions to explore the future of commercial space and international cooperation.
The event, taking place from 17 to 21 November 2025 at Dubai World Central (DWC), will provide a dynamic platform for addressing challenges in the rapidly growing global space economy, fostering collaboration, and advancing the commercialisation of space technologies.
Global vision and collaboration
Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sport and Chairman of the UAE Space Agency, said the initiative reflects the UAE’s long-term vision to position itself as a global innovation hub.
“The UAE’s ambitious space initiatives are intricately aligned with our national priorities of driving economic diversification and establishing the UAE as a global hub of innovation,” Dr Al Falasi said. “The Space Pavilion accelerates our ability to forge cross-sector partnerships, strengthen bilateral and multilateral ties, and attract foreign investment into our burgeoning space economy. As we strive to contribute to the sustainable growth of the global space economy – projected to exceed US$1 trillion by 2040 – we remain committed to shaping the future of international space collaboration, ensuring our space sector remains inclusive, innovative and interconnected.”
The Space Conference, a key highlight of the Airshow, will be held on 17 and 18 November on the Aerospace 2050 Stage. Bringing together more than 50 global experts, astronauts and industry leaders, the conference will examine the responsible use of space, new technologies, future exploration missions, and downstream applications that influence daily life on Earth.
Blue Origin CEO to speak
Among the headline speakers will be Dave Limp, CEO of Blue Origin, who will join a fireside chat on 17 November to discuss the future of commercial space exploration and its potential to benefit the planet.
Other high-profile participants include Juan Andres Caro, Deputy Assistant Secretary for International and Space Affairs at the US Department of Commerce; Mariel Borowitz, Director of International SSA Engagement, Office of Space Commerce, US Department of Commerce; Chris White-Horne, Deputy CEO, UK Space Agency; Jonathan Hung, Executive Director, Office for Space Technology & Industry, Singapore; and Dr Mohamed Al-Aseeri, CEO, Bahrain Space Agency.
Also confirmed are Teodoro Valente, President of the Italian Space Agency; Dr Saoud Al Shoaili, Head of Oman’s National Space Program; Giorgio Tumino, Space Transportation Chief Technical Advisor, European Space Agency (ESA); and Luca del Monte, Head of the Commercialisation Department, ESA.
Innovation and youth engagement
Beyond the conference, the Airshow will offer an array of interactive features designed to engage audiences and inspire future generations. Visitors will meet astronauts Dr Sian Leo Proctor and Claude Nicollier, who will participate in talks, student sessions, and public meet-and-greet events at SkyView.
The Vista startup platform will connect emerging space entrepreneurs with investors through pitch competitions, mentorships and networking sessions, helping turn ideas into viable ventures. One of the most anticipated challenges is OrbitX: Agile Space Systems Challenge, launched with FADA and EDGE Group, which invites startups to design next-generation micro-satellite systems and orbital networking architectures focused on speed and real-time impact.
The UAE’s Space Economic Zone initiative, a dedicated ecosystem for attracting international space companies and investors, will also take centre stage. It aims to drive entrepreneurship, accelerate investment, and strengthen the country’s growing commercial space ecosystem.
Youth participation remains a priority. The NextGen Leaders and Youth Circles, held in partnership with the Federal Youth Authority, will nurture young Emirati talent in science, technology and space innovation, aligning with the nation’s future-focused education goals.
Expanding regional momentum
Salem Al Qubaisi, Director General of the UAE Space Agency, said the Airshow marks a key opportunity to advance regional collaboration and technological progress.
“Dubai Airshow 2025 represents a pivotal platform for international collaboration in space. By bringing together leading agencies, companies and innovators, we are strengthening the UAE’s role as a global hub for space exploration and commercialisation. This reflects our National Space Strategy 2030 and our ambition to advance technologies that address real-world challenges on Earth and beyond,” he said.
The Middle East and Africa space-tech market is forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.1% through 2030, with the UAE leading much of the regional expansion. Flagship projects such as the Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt and the Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite constellation continue to position the country as a regional trailblazer in space research and innovation.
Salem Humaid AlMarri, Director General of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), emphasised how the Space Pavilion underscores Dubai’s leadership in future-focused industries.
“The largest-ever Space Pavilion reflects the growing importance of space as a driver of innovation and economic opportunity. It’s an opportunity to explore partnerships that strengthen the space ecosystem, advance scientific progress and inspire the next generation of explorers,” he noted.
Pioneering technologies on display
Ali Al Hashemi, Chairman of the Global Satellite Operator’s Association and CEO of Space Services at Space42, said collaboration is key to turning technology into impact. “The UAE’s space ambitions are built on a foundation of collaboration and shared purpose. Space42’s capabilities in AI-powered satellite communications and geospatial intelligence are part of this collective effort, contributing to the infrastructure and expertise that will strengthen the UAE’s position in the evolving global space economy,” he said.
Dubai Airshow 2025 will feature exhibits and showcases from major international players including Airbus, Thales Alenia Space, Starlink, ST Engineering, ICEYE, Eutelsat OneWeb, VAST, BlackSky and Neo Space Group, alongside regional organisations such as the UAE Space Agency, MBRSC, Space42, FADA, and the Technology Innovation Institute (TII).
Dr Najwa Aaraj, CEO of TII, said the institute will present new breakthroughs in space propulsion and satellite technologies.
“From next-generation liquid and hybrid rocket engines to AI-powered Earth observation through TacticaAI and state-of-the-art SAR payloads, our exhibits showcase breakthrough innovations with real-world impact,” she said.
Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the 19th edition of Dubai Airshow will once again be organised by Informa Markets, with support from Dubai Airports, the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, the UAE Ministry of Defence, Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects and the UAE Space Agency.