DUBAI —

The new UAE space law is a giant step for the country because it will inspire the next generation of lawyers, engineers, and scientists to revolutionize an as yet unexplored sector, a legal expert said Tuesday.

STA Law Firm says the UAE Cabinet’s recent adoption of the new space law, an unprecedented development in the Middle East region, symbolizes a monumental triumph for the nation’s space sector.

“Although the details of the new law are not yet publically available, I believe it has tremendous potential and am excited by the UAE’s incorporation of educational guidelines into the legal framework,” said Sunil Thacker, Senior Partner at STA.

“This alignment not only speaks to the government’s profound commitment to fostering global competitiveness and promoting academic excellence, but will inspire the next generation of lawyers, engineers, and scientists to revolutionize a sector not yet explored.”

Added Thacker: “Due to the fact it is the first of its kind in the Middle East, and internationally the legislative sector remains novel, I am fascinated to see how the UAE government intertwined federal policies and multilateral agreements into the new law.

“It’s inevitable that investment in the space sector will surge, but how the legal implications of investment will work in such context is the golden question.”

Closely following the adoption of the new space law, NASA and the UAE Space Agency have signed an Implementing Arrangement enabling UAE astronaut training, UAE access to the International Space Station, and involvement with lunar exploration.

— SG

“It will be interesting to follow how this bilateral affiliation develops, and how the opportunity impacts the development of the UAE space sector and its laws,” says Thacker, who has been part of several committees assisting the UAE government in the drafting of local laws and regulations.

“Beyond constructing a regional benchmark, the new space law is anticipated to stimulate investment, research development, and provide competition at an international level.”

The new space law remains in accordance with federal policy and UAE sanctioned international conventions. The Cabinet has emphasized that the law provides legislative standards and provisions to regulate the operation of future projects committed to international space exploration.

Additionally, it stresses the importance of innovative engineering through supporting and unifying academic and research initiatives. — SG