47th Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) 2028 to take place in the UAE after successful bid

• Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed announced the UAE’s winning bid to host the 47th COSPAR Scientific Assembly in Dubai from July 8-16, 2028.
• COSPAR 2028 will attract over 3,000 researchers, scientists, and space leaders globally.
• Recent meetings focused on updates about the MBZ-SAT satellite and the UAE Astronaut Programme.

The United Arab Emirates has won the bid to host the 47th scientific assembly of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) 2028, the world’s largest space research event. This noteworthy milestone was announced by His Highness (H.H.) Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai through his official X page. COSPAR is scheduled to take place in Dubai from 8-16 July 2028 and will convene over 3,000 innovative researchers, scientists, and space leaders, in the UAE to address and showcase leading-edge scientific discoveries.

We are pleased to announce that the UAE has won the bid to host COSPAR 2028, the world’s largest event focused on space research. Set to be held for the first time in the Arab world, the event will bring together more than 3,000 researchers, experts, and scientists to present and… pic.twitter.com/pz5CwIPpay

— Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) July 25, 2024

UAE’s growing influence in space research

Securing the bid to host COSPAR 2028 is truly a great achievement for the UAE as it has been doubling its efforts to excel in the field of space research. This feat is, of course, made possible by the dedicated efforts of the team at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC).

What is COSPAR?

COSPAR is an international scientific organisation that has been dedicated to advancing space research internationally since its establishment in 1958 under the auspices of the International Council for Science (ICSU). COSPAR is recognised for organising its biennial Scientific Assemblies, which are major events in the world of space research. These assemblies gather thousands of experts from around the globe to present research, discuss advancements, and tackle challenges in various fields including planetary science, space physics, space biology, and astrophysics.

It’s worth mentioning that the recently concluded COSPAR 2024 Scientific Assembly held in South Korea has convened space leaders from KASA, NASA, CNSA, ISRO, JAXA, ASI, and the UAE. The event included a roundtable discussion with Space Agency leaders about the space research initiatives from each agency in the next decade.

With all this, there’s no doubt that the upcoming COSPAR 2028 will provide an avenue for key leading figures within the space science discipline to discuss the potential and sustainable future of space advancements. The forthcoming gathering should enhance the UAE’s international cooperation (e.g., investments) as well as its advancements in space technology.

Developments within the space science field

Earlier this month, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Ruler of Dubai and the UAE’s Vice President and Prime Minister, gathered with the MBRSC team at the Union House in Dubai. Notable figures — including H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai, and H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group — were present to talk about the status of the MBZ-SAT satellite and the UAE Astronaut Programme. H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid emphasised the country’s increasing prominence in space technology and the need for sustained efforts to reach new milestones.

The meeting covered updates on the MBZ-SAT, the MENA region’s most advanced satellite, which is scheduled for launch on a SpaceX rocket in October 2024. The latest developments in the UAE Astronaut Programme were also addressed during the meeting. In addition, His Highness met with astronauts Nora Al Matrooshi, the first Emirati woman astronaut, and Mohammad Al Mulla to talk about their two-year training at NASA and their preparations for upcoming space missions.

Without a doubt, the progression of events mentioned above displays the nation’s boundless commitment to space exploration, which in turn serves as an inspiration to future generations of scientists and engineers.