Across the MENA region, nations are increasingly turning to space technologies as a strategic lever for economic transformation and technological advancement. This shift forms part of broader efforts to transition towards post-hydrocarbon economies while simultaneously serving national development goals and military modernisation. For many Gulf monarchies in particular, space programs have become powerful symbols of national aspiration and state-building, projecting an image of technological sophistication and future-oriented governance.
This space race embodies a classic "leapfrog" strategy, with MENA nations capitalising on the "New Space" paradigm characterised by commercial launch services, miniaturised satellites, and disruptive technologies like AI. The approach mirrors China's successful adoption of electric vehicle technology, bypassing traditional development stages by embracing emerging innovations. Dramatically reduced launch costs, pioneered by companies like SpaceX, are democratising space access much as drone technology has transformed modern warfare. Regional examples abound, from Bahrain's Al Munther and Kuwait's KuwaitSat-1 to Morocco's UM5 nanosatellite family, demonstrating rapid adoption of microsatellite technologies.
The regional landscape reveals a diverse strategic mosaic rather than a unified approach. The UAE pursues ambitious deep-space exploration, while Saudi Arabia focuses on human spaceflight achievements. Egypt cultivates leadership in African space cooperation, and Oman positions itself as a commercial launch hub - each nation's strategy carefully tailored to its unique economic objectives, geopolitical considerations and technological baselines.
This diversity, however, constrains meaningful regional collaboration. Unlike Europe's coordinated approach through the European Space Agency, MENA lacks a unifying space authority. Most national programs operate at scales that struggle to justify standalone viability, let alone compete with major space powers or add significant value to partnerships with space superpowers like China and the US. While Gulf states, in particular, view space programs as tools of nation-building, this individualistic approach comes at the cost of missing the opportunity to develop a truly integrated, sustainable regional space economy capable of competing on the global stage.
The following is a primer on some of the MENA countries with national space programs, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Iran, Egypt, Türkiye, Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait. Future reports will cover specific programs of promise in more detail.
National Space Programs
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The UAE is the current leader in the MENA space industry, with ambitious deep-space exploration and human spaceflight programs. A milestone achievement was made on 20 July 2020 with the launch of the Emirates Mars Mission (called the “Hope Probe”). The Hope Probe successfully entered Mars orbit on 9 February 2021, making the UAE the first Arab nation and fifth globally to send a probe to Mars. The mission provides a global map of Mars and close-up images of its moon Deimos, with data being shared with over 200 institutions worldwide. This mission was also strategically timed to arrive before the UAE's 50th independence anniversary, highlighting its symbolic importance for national pride and inspiration in the UAE
In human spaceflight, the UAE sent its first astronaut, Hazzaa Al-Mansoori, to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2019. More recently, Sultan Al Neyadi spent six months on the ISS, conducting 200 scientific experiments in microgravity. The UAE also made its first foray into lunar exploration with the Rashid Rover, launched aboard Japan’s Hakuto-R Mission in 2022. Although the mission faced a landing failure, it marked the nation's entry into Moon exploration and provided experience for future lunar projects. Looking ahead, the UAE has ambitious plans for an unmanned lunar exploration and a long-term aspiration for a human settlement on Mars by 2117. A mission to the Asteroid Belt is also underway.
The institutional backbone for these projects comprises the UAE Space Agency (UAESA), established in 2014, and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), established in 2006. These entities have developed a robust ecosystem through initiatives like the National Space Academy, National Space Fund, and Space Economic Zones, which collectively advance space research, technology, and commercial activities. Furthermore, the EDGE Group's Fada focuses on advanced satellite technologies for domestic research and development.
The UAE has also forged extensive international partnerships, signing several Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with China, France, Russia, the UK, India, and Japan, and a significant "Agreement to Collaborate" with NASA. It was an early signatory of the Artemis Accords in 2020. While the UAE initially planned to take part in the Chang'e-7 lunar initiative with China, it was forced to drop out owing to U.S. export laws regarding sensitive technology transfers to China, highlighting the complexities of international collaboration in a geopolitically sensitive domain for a country aiming to stay neutral and benefit from both sides. However, compliant collaboration with China has continued.
Orbitworks, a joint venture with an American firm, became the Middle East's first commercial satellite integrator. The UAE also emphasises STEM education and international collaboration, with partnerships including NASA and JAXA, and explores feasibility studies for launching commercial spaceports in Abu Dhabi. Complementing its space ambitions, the UAE invests heavily in AI and space-data analytics companies such as Bayanat, hoping to build a more comprehensive ecosystem.
Saudi Arabia (KSA)
KSA’s space program is intricately linked to its ambitious Vision 2030, serving as a key pillar for the country’s economic and social transformation. The Saudi Space Agency (SSA) was founded in 2018, with strategic oversight provided by the Supreme Space Council, established in November 2022 and chaired by the Crown Prince, MBS. Saudi Arabia. Notably, the Kingdom withdrew from the 1984 Moon Agreement in January 2023, indicating a selective approach to international frameworks that best serve its evolving national interests.
The kingdom's space economy was valued at $8.7 billion in 2024, with projections of up to $31.6 billion by 2035. This growth is fueled by significant public and private investments. KSA’s sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), launched the Neo Space Group in 2024, a global space services company, marking a major venture into the satellite and space industries aimed at developing domestic capabilities and the transfer of technology.
A landmark achievement was the Human Space Flight Program (SSA-HSF1), launched on May 21 2023. This historic mission sent two Saudi astronauts, Rayyanah Barnawi (the first Saudi woman in space) and Ali Alqarni, to the ISS for a 10-day mission. During their stay, they conducted 11 microgravity research experiments and 3 educational outreach experiments, engaging 12,000 students across 47 locations in Saudi Arabia. The program aims to prepare future Saudi astronauts for future missions, focusing on areas like human health, cell science, and Earth science.
On 14 May 2025, the Saudi Space Agency (SSA) signed an executive agreement with NASA to launch the first Saudi satellite dedicated to studying space climate as a part of the Artemis II mission. KSA previously joined the Artemis Accords in 2022. Earlier launches include Earth observation and technology demonstration satellites (SaudiSat-5A and -5B in 2018) and the Saudi Geo Satellite 1/Hellas-Sat-4 (2019).
KSA is also pursuing space tourism, partnering with HALO Space for near-space tourism test flights. Unmanned tests were conducted in 2024, with manned flights planned for 2025 and commercial operations by 2026. The goal is to host at least 100 balloon-powered flights annually from 2026, positioning the kingdom as a regional hub for space tourism.
Qatar
Qatar's space projects are marked by strategic international collaborations. In a significant security partnership, the U.S. Space Force – Central Command (USSPACECENT) has opened a campus at Qatar's Al Udeid Air Base in January 2025, enhancing space operations and capabilities in the Middle East. A space situational awareness data sharing agreement was also signed with the Qatar Armed Forces in October 2023.
In satellite communications, Es'hailSat 1 and 2 provide communications services, in particular, direct-to-home television services, across the MENA region. Es'hailSat's state-of-the-art ground station in Doha, launched in 2019, manages these satellite operations. The company is evaluating new geostationary (GEO) satellites and is open to partnering with non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) constellations for future applications like in-flight connectivity (IFC), which could provide a significant edge for Qatar Airways.
Qatar has also engaged in significant scientific research and education initiatives. It launched the Qatar Exoplanet Survey in 2010, contributing to exoplanet discoveries. A joint effort with NASA and the Qatar Foundation (the OASIS project) aims to design a satellite mission to find buried freshwater aquifers in deserts using radar technology, addressing critical water scarcity issues in the region.
Oman
Oman is strategically positioning itself as a regional launch hub as its strategic equatorial location on the western edge of the Arabian Sea makes it an ideal site for satellite launches. The sultanate’s Etlaq Spaceport, the first commercial spaceport in the MENA region, announced plans for five test launches in 2025 as part of its ‘Genesis Program’, aiming to establish Oman as a key player in the global launch industry by 2027.
Etlaq is also collaborating with international launch partners from the UK, New Zealand, and Kuwait for its test missions and has signed an agreement with Spanish launch service provider PLD Space to facilitate the launch of MIURA 5 from Oman.
To foster Oman’s local ecosystem, the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT) introduced the 'Oman Space Accelerators' program, set to launch in late 2025, in collaboration with Ankaa Space and Technologies. This program aims to support and empower ten Omani startups in space technologies, stimulating the national space ecosystem and attracting investment.
The space sector is a strategic priority under Oman's National Program for the Digital Economy. Over the next decade, Oman aims to develop ground-based space applications, encourage private sector involvement, and attract international investment. Plans also include building a space research centre for simulation missions and science experiments.
Bahrain
Bahrain is the smallest Gulf state, but it is also positioning itself as a player in the regional space race. Through the National Space Science Agency (NSSA), Bahrain has made advancements in developing its satellite capabilities. Its first satellite was Light 1, a joint UAE-Bahraini project, and was launched in December 2021. On 15 March 2025, Bahrain successfully launched into operation its first homegrown satellite, “Al Munther”, using a SpaceX Falcon-9 rocket. This satellite is equipped with artificial intelligence for real-time image analysis.
The Bahrain Space Agency (BSA), established in 2014, focuses on building expertise in satellite manufacturing, tracking, control, and Earth observation data processing. BSA has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with the UAE Space Agency, Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), the Egyptian Space Agency, and Oman's MTCIT. BSA also partnered with Egypt to develop a hyperspectral imaging camera for China's Chang'e 7 lunar mission and is a signatory of the Artemis Accords.
Kuwait
Kuwait marked its entry into the space sector with the successful deployment of KuwaitSat-1, a student-developed nanosatellite equipped with an Earth observation camera, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on 3 January 2023. This pioneering initiative supports scientific research through imagery of Kuwait's territory. Building on this achievement, the Kuwait Space Commission is currently developing a National Space Strategy to coordinate public and private sector efforts, with projections of creating 8,000 direct and 6,000 indirect jobs in the growing space industry.
Kuwait has demonstrated notable international collaboration in space science, remaining the only Arab nation to participate in NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) mission between 2013-2018. Working with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Kuwaiti scientists contributed to calibrating and validating satellite data measuring global surface soil moisture - a critical parameter for environmental and climate studies.
The country is now expanding its space infrastructure through the Kuwait Space Company (KSC), which focuses on securing future telecommunications capabilities. KSC's roadmap includes deploying a geostationary satellite (GEO) and constructing an advanced ground station. Kuwait further maintains strategic involvement in regional space cooperation as a 14.6% shareholder in Arabsat, the Arab world's premier satellite communications organisation.
Egypt
Egypt is developing indigenous capabilities for both civilian and military applications. The Egyptian Space Agency (EgSA) was established in August 2019 with a vision to carry out national development and security missions and become an active member in global space initiatives. Its mission includes creating, transferring, and localising space technology, with the ultimate goal of building and launching satellites from Egyptian territory.
EgSA has achieved success with experimental satellites like NExSat-1, launched on 3 February 2024, using China's Jielong-3 launch vehicle. NExSat-1, a remote sensing satellite, was assembled and tested at EgSA's qualified facility, demonstrating a significant local integration rate of about 45%. This follows the December 2023 deployment of MisrSat-2, an Earth observation satellite provided by China. Egypt's previous remote sensing satellite, EgyptSat 2, was launched in 2014 by Russia but lost contact in 2015.
Future initiatives for EgSA include developing a satellite to measure plasma characteristics in the ionosphere and the African Development Satellite, a nanosatellite for climate change monitoring in collaboration with several African countries.
Egypt also hosts the HQ for the African Space Program, highlighting the use of space for diplomacy by the country. Egypt is solidifying its leading role in the African space sector by hosting the New Space Africa 2025 conference and has trained 71 engineers from 34 African countries since 2021.
A key initiative is the development of an Egyptian microsatellite platform by 2026 to boost local manufacturing capabilities. Collaborations extend to a partnership with Bahrain for a hyperspectral imaging camera for China's Chang'e 7 lunar mission and an agreement to participate in China's International Lunar Research Station mission. EgSA also has agreements with the Greek and Kenyan space agencies.
Iran
Despite international sanctions, Iran has developed a robust and self-reliant space program, achieving significant milestones in satellite and launch vehicle technology. It serves dual civilian-military purposes, directly supporting its ballistic missile development. With declared ambitions for crewed spaceflight, the program remains central to Tehran’s strategic objectives despite ongoing geopolitical constraints.
The country marked its first foray beyond Earth's atmosphere with the Kavoshgar test rocket in February 2008, followed by the landmark deployment of its first operational satellite, Omid (Hope), in February 2009. This achievement made Iran the ninth nation capable of independent satellite launches, a feat accomplished using indigenous infrastructure.
Iran’s technological progression is evident in its development of five distinct carrier rockets, including the Simorgh series, which predominantly utilise solid-fuel propulsion systems: technology sharing clear synergies with ballistic missile development. Beyond Omid, the nation has successfully orbited Earth observation satellites like Rasad-1 and Navid, while demonstrating military applications with the Noor reconnaissance satellite’s 2020 launch.
A notable advancement came in July 2022 with the Khayyam satellite, launched aboard a Russian Soyuz rocket, which enhances border security, agricultural monitoring and disaster response. Iran’s biological space experiments have also broken barriers, including the 2010 mission carrying rodents, turtles and worms, and the successful 2013 launch and return of rhesus macaques (Pishgam and Fargam).
Morocco
Morocco has strategically enhanced its Earth observation capabilities through phased technological investments, beginning with the twin Mohammed VI-A (2017) and Mohammed VI-B (2018) satellites, as part of a €500 million joint project with Airbus and Thales that provides sub-metre resolution imagery. This capability was further upgraded through a 2023 partnership with Israel’s IAI, acquiring two ”spy satellites” in a deal worth $1 billion, positioning Morocco among Africa’s most advanced observation systems.
The satellites serve dual civilian-military functions. While reportedly pivotal for intelligence gathering in the Western Sahara conflict, they have equally transformed disaster response and resource management. During the September 2023 Al Haouz earthquake, the constellation enabled rapid damage assessment and relief coordination, while ongoing agricultural monitoring helps optimise water usage in drought-prone regions, a critical capability given Morocco’s shrinking water resources.
Parallel to government efforts, Moroccan private firms are advancing a pan-African satellite constellation initiative, showcased during French President Macron’s 2024 state visit, where Thales signed agreements to support the project. Academic institutions complement these ambitions, with Mohammed V University launching two pioneering nanosatellites in August 2024: UM5-EOSat for Earth observation and UM5-Ribat for telecommunications testing, developed entirely by Moroccan engineers and students.
Türkiye
In January 2024, Alper Gezeravcı became Türkiye’s first astronaut, conducting 13 scientific experiments on the International Space Station, a pivotal moment in Türkiye’s long-term space strategy.
Türkiye’s space program, driven by its National Space Program launched in 2021, has ambitious goals, including a Moon landing by 2026, independent satellite production, and spaceport construction. The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye’s Space Technologies Research Institute (TÜBİTAK UZAY) is the nation’s key space R&D institute, playing a central role in these endeavours.
Türkiye has developed significant dual-use Earth observation capabilities with satellites like Göktürk-1 (launched in 2016), which offers sub-metre imagery, and Göktürk-2. The İMECE satellite, launched in April 2023, represents Türkiye’s first indigenously developed Earth observation satellite, marking a major step towards self-reliance. Its 10-Year National Space Program (2021) also outlines plans for an astronaut program, space weather R&D, and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) development.
To further its launch capabilities, Türkiye is currently building a spaceport structure for both civilian and military applications in Somalia, leveraging the strategic geographical proximity to the equator for optimal launch trajectories.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
The MENA region's space sector shows considerable promise yet faces significant strategic challenges that must be addressed to realise its full potential.
The most pressing obstacle remains the absence of a unified regional space program, which has led to duplicated efforts, inefficient budget allocation, and missed opportunities for synergy. While the Arab Space Coordination Group (ASCG), established in 2019 by the UAE and joined by Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Bahrain, Algeria, Sudan, Lebanon, Kuwait and Morocco, represents a step toward cooperation, its impact has been limited. Designed to harmonise regulatory practices and coordinate positions in international forums, the ASCG currently functions more as a symbolic entity than an effective collaborative framework.
A fundamental constraint across most MENA nations (with the notable exceptions of Israel and Iran) is their continued reliance on foreign launch providers like SpaceX's Falcon 9, Russia's Soyuz, or India's PSLV, coupled with dependence on sophisticated satellite platforms from established space powers. This technological dependence not only limits true self-reliance but also exposes national programs to geopolitical vulnerabilities, including international sanctions and export controls. The UAE's experience with US export restrictions following its cooperation with China serves as a cautionary example of these risks. Compounding these challenges is the absence of comprehensive national space laws and robust export control frameworks in many countries, which discourages private sector investment and complicates international partnerships.
Structural inefficiencies further hinder progress. Within individual nations, weak coordination between defence, civilian and academic space actors leads to fragmented resource allocation and conflicting strategic priorities. The lack of standardised data formats, ground station access protocols, and system interoperability presents additional barriers to effective regional collaboration. These institutional shortcomings are exacerbated by the region's persistent "brain drain", as highly skilled engineers and scientists frequently seek opportunities in Europe, North America or more established Gulf space programs, drawn by stronger career prospects and more stable funding environments.
Programs heavily reliant on government funding remain vulnerable to political cycles and fluctuating state revenues, particularly in oil-dependent economies. This financial uncertainty frequently manifests in abrupt project cancellations and disrupted long-term planning. Bureaucratic inefficiencies and a lack of transparency compound these challenges, with many programs operating under military or royal patronage systems that, while ensuring strategic control, often stifle innovation by limiting academic participation and private sector involvement.
Despite these challenges, the MENA region possesses significant opportunities for growth and cooperation. Strengthening initiatives like the ASCG could yield substantial benefits, enabling cost-sharing through joint procurement, collaborative infrastructure development, and the creation of regional Earth observation constellations tailored to address shared challenges like water management and climate monitoring. The potential exists for MENA countries to develop joint projects similar to Türkiye's domestic GPS navigation system, which would enhance regional sovereignty while fostering technological development.
Regional cooperation could extend to establishing shared data platforms that pool high-resolution satellite imagery from multiple national systems, creating commercial opportunities to serve African and Global South markets. Collaborative approaches to human spaceflight, including shared astronaut training programs leveraging existing facilities in the UAE or Türkiye, could make this expensive endeavour more accessible across the region. Engaging with the extensive diaspora of MENA space professionals working at organisations like NASA or ESA could provide invaluable expertise through consulting arrangements, training programs or targeted repatriation incentives.
The region's strategic geographical advantages, particularly its proximity to the equator and potential future launch sites in cooperation with African partners like Somalia, position it well to become a global hub for satellite launches serving the Global South. By cultivating partnerships with other emerging space nations such as India, South Korea and Brazil, MENA countries could diversify their technological partnerships beyond traditional Western collaborators while accelerating knowledge transfer.
Ultimately, while the space race is seen as individual, nation-building opportunities without true regional collaboration, it is unlikely to be sustained or even greater scientific and technological achievements made in this area.