'The Abu Dhabi Space Debate', was held under the patronage of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, providing a platform for public and private entities to identify global needs for strategic capabilities, legal frameworks, and resources within the space sector. Attended by more than 300 decision-makers and representatives of 47 international space institutions and agencies, the Debate was organized by the UAE Space Agency, with the participation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the Ministry of Defense.

The Abu Dhabi Space Debate focused on three main topics, namely, the sustainability of space, access to space, and enhancing space security. 

In conjunction with the "Abu Dhabi Space Dialogue" launch, Future for Advanced Research and Studies has released a new e-booklet: The New Frontier of Discovery: Challenges and Prospects of Cooperation in Outer Space, edited by Jaida Aboulfotouh and Yara Ahmed. This research study aims to examine the current regulations of outer space and to address growth opportunities and challenges in this new realm. 

In the first part of this research study, Jaida Aboulfotouh provides a historical outline of laws governing space, assesses the current rules of engagement, and finally showcases three limitations of the existing notions of outer space law. Secondly, Dr Saskia van Genugten evaluates the economic promise of 'space mining.' Finally, in the third and final part of this study, Dr Namrata Goswami sheds light on the role of geopolitics in the utilization of space resources and the different partnerships in space exploration programmes.

This e- booklet is available in both English and Arabic. 

To view/ download a full copy of the e-booklet, click here.