The UAE Space Agency and Masdar will establish the nation’s first Space Economic Zone in Masdar City to create an integrated business ecosystem to propel startups and SMEs.
Article continues below
It is the first of many spachtech hubs the UAE Space Agency will launch to create a competitive private sector, build national capabilities and contribute to the UAE’s economic growth for the next 50 years, said a statement.
The Space Economic Zone in Masdar City, a pioneer in sustainability and a hub for research and development, will offer world-class infrastructure and an enabling environment to encourage the development of the national space industry.
Businesses will be offered an integrated package of benefits including incubation, office space, mentorship, networking, investment opportunities, priority access to government contracts and closer cooperation with leading global research centres.
The Space Economy Zone programme aims to create a sustainable and effective framework to facilitate public-private partnerships; build an attractive and integrated business environment for local and global companies; support the growth of national space technologies and services; stimulate innovation and adopt advanced technologies; and support the establishment of homegrown startups and accelerate their growth.
The strategic agreement between the UAE Space Agency and Masdar was signed at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2022 by Al Qubaisi. Under the deal, the Masdar City Free Zone will offer tailor-made business licences for space-related companies across the launch sector, satellite communication, logistics, data analysis, science, technology, engineering, and much more. ■
According to data gathered by environmental campaign group Surfers Against Sewage (SAS), there has been storm sewage discharge into the waters at beaches in Cornwall, Devon, Sussex, Essex, Lancashire, Lincolnshire, Northumberland and Cumbria.