UAE Astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi Represents Arab World at High-Stakes Paris Space Summit

The UAE's Sultan Al Neyadi attended the two-day International Space Summit in Paris as the sole Arab astronaut, underscoring the Emirates' expanding footprint in the global space sector. Dr Al Neyadi, serving as the Minister of State for Youth Affairs, participated alongside the UAE delegation, which included Space Agency chairman Dr Ahmad Al Falasi, who is also the Minister of Sports, and Fatima Al Shamsi, the agency's acting director of space policy and international relations.

Addressing a panel of international astronauts, Dr Al Neyadi emphasized that the rapid advancement of the UAE's space programme was built on a foundation of international cooperation. He highlighted previous partnerships with Russia, the US, Japan, and South Korea, stating that the nation remains open to global collaborations and knowledge transfer.

The summit, convened by French President Emmanuel Macron, gathered about 15 astronauts—predominantly from western nations, with Italy leading the largest contingent. The event aims to initiate global discussions on space governance and enhance Europe's position in an industry heavily influenced by US-Chinese competition. However, the gathering saw notable absences, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, following US pressure and European divisions over autonomy versus reliance on providers like SpaceX.

China, India, Japan, Vietnam, and South Korea were also in attendance as international statements and commercial deals took center stage. Reflecting close bilateral ties, Hamdullah Mohib of Orbitwork joined a closed-door roundtable with Mr Macron alongside other international chief executives, including representatives from Loft Orbital.

Demonstrating active industry growth, Abu Dhabi’s International Holding Company recently acquired an 80 per cent stake in Marlan Holding, a partner in Abu Dhabi-based satellite company Orbitworks alongside Loft Orbital. Orbitworks recently secured a landmark deal making a European government space agency a customer for a Middle East-built satellite constellation and shipped its Altair-1 satellite for a SpaceX launch.

With milestones such as Dr Al Neyadi's historic six-month mission on the International Space Station and his recent geology training with Hazza Al Mansouri in New Mexico, the UAE continues to cement its status as a fast-growing regional leader preparing for future lunar missions.