Scotland signs space industry agreement with United Arab Emirates

Scotland has signed a space industry agreement with the United Arab Emirates.

The letter of intent between industry group Space Scotland and the UAE’s Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) includes a commitment to deepen co-operation across satellite manufacturing, launch services, and research.

It also paves the way for increased business cooperation, trade activity, and joint industry events, providing commercial opportunities for companies in both countries.

“Scotland’s space industry has for some time been punching above its weight internationally,” Lochhead said on Monday.

“Strengthening our relationship with the UAE creates major new opportunities for collaboration, skills and investment.

“The UAE is an increasingly influential space nation and this agreement reflects the scale of Scotland’s ambition to lead in small satellite production, data-driven space services and sustainable space technologies.”

He added: “With the global space market projected to exceed £1.3 trillion by 2035, we are determined to ensure Scotland captures its share.”

Scottish Enterprise chief executive Adrian Gillespie said the agreement is a “significant step forward in international cooperation”.

“Working more closely with MBRSC will open up substantial commercial and research opportunities in advanced satellite technologies, sustainability and space security,” Mr Gillespie said.

“These collaborations will help drive the growth of high-value companies capable of delivering long-term economic benefit for Scotland.”

The “historic” agreement comes less than two weeks after the Scottish space sector secured £3.8m funding for technology research from the National Space Innovation Programme (NSIP).

It also comes after Scottish business minister Richard Lochhead announced that Scotland’s space strategy will be refreshed to update the sector’s priorities.

The Scottish space sector generates almost £400m in income and employs more than 7,000 people.

Lochhead previously said Scotland is set to become a significant player in the global space sector.