Launching the UAE to Orbit
How does a nation transform an ambitious vision into a formidable presence in outer space? What does it take to build a thriving space ecosystem capable of generating strategic, economic, and societal value? Launching the UAE to Orbit tells the remarkable story of the United Arab Emirates’ rise as a recognised space actor. From satellites and astronauts to Mars exploration and lunar and asteroid missions, it reveals how the UAE has transformed outer space into a frontier of national development and economic opportunity. The first comprehensive account of its kind, it combines original research, new data, stakeholder insights, and case studies to illuminate the evolving blueprint of space value creation in and through outer space. Beyond a national success story, the book offers strategic insights and recommendations, serving as an essential reference for policymakers, researchers, investors, entrepreneurs, and nations aspiring to shape their own future in space.
Armen V. Papazian is Associate Professor of Space Economics at the American University in Dubai. He holds a PhD in Financial Economics from the University of Cambridge and has authored several books, including Financing the Race to Space and The Space Value of Money.