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Cabinet Resolution Regarding the Space Resources Regulations

The last update on this law was listed on 27 Nov 2025

Related legislations

Issued Date

27 Nov 2025

Effective Date

13 Dec 2025

Official Gazette Date

12 Dec 2025

Official Gazette No

813

Legislation State

Active

Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to produce an accurate and complete English version of this website/ legislation. However, for the purpose of their interpretation and application, reference must be made to the original Arabic text. In case of conflict, the Arabic text will prevail

The Cabinet:
− Having reviewed the Constitution;
− Federal Decree by Law No. (46) of 2023 Regarding the Regulation of the Space Sector;
− Federal Decree by Law No. (47) of 2023 Regarding the Reorganization of the UAE Space Agency;
− Federal Decree No. (85) of 2000 Regarding the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies, and the Two Agreements related thereto;
− Cabinet Resolution No. (19) of 2023 Regarding the Space Resources Regulations; and
− Upon the proposal of the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the UAE Space Agency, and the approval of the Cabinet,
Hereby resolves as follows:

Article (1) Definitions

The definitions set out in the aforementioned Federal Decree by Law No. (46) of 2023 shall apply to this resolution. Otherwise, the following terms and expressions shall have the meanings assigned to each of them, unless the context requires otherwise:
Space Resource Activities: Activities related to the exploration, exploitation, and utilization of Space Resources, whether for commercial, scientific, or other purposes. Such activities include the extraction, recovery, refining, processing, utilization, acquisition, purchase, sale, trading, transportation, or storage of Space Resources, as well as logistics-related activities conducted in Outer Space, such as the transportation, storage, or supply of Space Resources.

Article (2) Scope of Application

The provisions of this resolution shall apply to Space Resource Activities conducted by Persons holding the nationality of the State; companies having their headquarters within the State; or foreign companies conducting their activities within the State.

Article (3) Obligations of Operators

1. Any Operator conducting Space Resource Activities, or the applicant for an Authorization to conduct such activities, shall meet the following conditions prior to commencing such activities:
    a. The Operator shall not undertake any activity within the scope of Space Resource Activities that would pose a risk to, or threaten, the State's ability to comply with any international legal obligations.
    b. The Agency shall be provided with all required information, including technical information and risk assessments, as requested by the Agency.
    c. Submit evidence demonstrating that the Operator has taken all necessary measures to prevent or mitigate the following:
        1. Risks threatening the safety of Persons or property;
        2. Damage that may be caused to Persons or property;
        3. Harmful effects on the environment of the Earth;
        4. Harmful contamination of Outer Space, including celestial bodies;
        5. The generation of Space Debris; and
        6. Harmful interference with ongoing Space Activities, including other Space Resource Activities.
2. Upon receipt of the Authorization and commencement of Space Resource Activities, the Operator shall keep the Agency regularly informed of the latest updates on the progress of such activities and shall comply with all instructions issued by the Agency in the event of an emergency or where there is a likelihood of material risks arising from Space Resource Activities.
3. The Agency may request any additional information or assessments deemed necessary, including financial and technical assessments, prior to granting the Authorization.
4. The Operator or the applicant, as the case may be, shall comply with all applicable regulations issued by the Cabinet and the Agency.

Article (4) Considerations for Granting the Authorization

Prior to granting the Authorization, the Agency shall take into consideration the following:
1. The international legal obligations binding upon the State, and any other international requirements approved by the State;
2. Potential harmful effects on the environment of the Earth or harmful contamination of Outer Space, including celestial bodies, taking into account the international guidelines, policies, and other regulatory frameworks relating to planetary protection;
3. The rights of other countries relating to access to all space stations, facilities, equipment, and space vehicles on the surface of the Moon and other celestial bodies, in accordance with the international obligations of the State, while taking into consideration operational safety, the avoidance of interference with operations, and the protection of intellectual property rights and sensitive commercial data;
4. The obligation of the State to consult with any affected country where it has a reason to believe that Space Resource Activities may cause harmful interference with the activities of another country in Outer Space, including activities of that country that may fall within the definition of Space Resource Activities;
5. The exchange of scientific information resulting from Space Resource Activities with the international scientific community, to the greatest extent possible and practicable, on a good faith basis, and in accordance with the legislation in force in the State; and
6. Any other considerations the Agency deems relevant, including the extent to which any priority rights over Space Resources may exist.

Article (5) Space Resources Database

1. The Agency shall maintain, in a special national database, information regarding the purposes, locations, and duration of Space Resource Activities authorized by the Agency. Based on such data, the Agency shall have the authority to determine priority rights at the national level.
2. The Agency shall maintain a national database dedicated to the results of Space Resource Activities, based on information submitted by the Operator pursuant to Article (3) of this resolution. The Agency may share such data in accordance with the legislation in force in the State.

Article (6) Property Rights over Space Resources

1. Without prejudice to the international obligations binding on the State, Space Resources may be explored, exploited, or utilized through the conduct of Space Resource Activities. The Operator shall be entitled to exercise property rights recognized under the legislation in force in the State over any Space Resources explored, exploited, or utilized by the Operator through its Space Resource Activities, as authorized by the Agency.
2. Such property rights shall include, in particular, the right to own, purchase, sell, trade, transport, store, use, or dispose of Space Resources extracted in the context of authorized Space Resource Activities, and any space activities aimed at providing logistical services in this regard, in accordance with the Decree by Law, this Resolution, and all other regulations applicable within the Agency and any other legislation in force in the State.

Article (7) Mandatory Notification to the Agency

1. Operators shall immediately notify the Agency of the following:
    a. Any material changes to the mission plan or its characteristics;
    b. Any Accident or occurrence relating to the Operator or any other entities participating in the Space Resource Activities, including any subcontractors;
    c. Any Damage, or risk of Damage, that may be caused to persons or property;
    d. Any harmful effects on, or potential harmful effects, on the environment of the Earth;
    e. Any harmful contamination or potentially harmful contamination of Outer Space, including celestial bodies;
    f. Any generation of Space Debris, or the risk of its formation, resulting from the Operator's authorized activity;
    g. Any safety measures within the area associated with the authorized Space Resource Activities; and
    h. Any unintended interference with or Damage to a Space Object of another country, or any unintended interference with or Damage to sites of historical significance on the Moon or other celestial bodies.
2. The Operator shall submit an annual report on the progress made and the results of the Space Resource Activities.
3. Upon completion of the mission during which Space Resource Activities are conducted, the Operator shall notify the Agency of the termination of the authorized Space Resource Activities. The Operator shall also submit a report on the results of such activities, clarifying the condition of the area where the Space Resources Activities were conducted, including the existence of any Space Objects or parts thereof.

Article (8) Executive Resolutions

The Board of Directors shall issue the resolutions necessary for the implementation of the provisions of this resolution.

Article (9) Repeals

Cabinet Resolution No. (19) of 2023 Regarding the Space Resources Regulations shall be repealed. Aany provision that contradicts or conflicts with the provisions of this Resolution, shall also be repealed.

Article (10) Publication and Entry into Force

This resolution shall be published in the Official Gazette and shall enter into force from the day following the date of its publication.

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