General UAE Legal Questions LawCabinet Resolution No. (203) of 2025 Regarding the Regulations on the Authorizations of Space Activities and Other Activities Related to the Space Sector

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: Decree by Law : Federal Decree by Law No. (46) of 2023 Regarding the Regulation of the Space Sector.

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Cabinet Resolution of 2025 Regarding the Regulations on the Authorizations of Space Activities and Other Activities Related to the Space Sector 2 Compensation : A monetary sum payable by an Operator, an insurer (insurance company), or any other guaranteeing entity, directly to the affected third party as a result of the Operator's conduct of a Space Activity or any Other Activity Related to the Space Sector; or payable to beneficiaries designated in a Compensation Guarantee Instrument, where such beneficiaries have compensated a third party for Damage sustained, in accordance with the terms and procedures set out in that Instrument. Compensation Guarantee Instrument : A document submitted to the Agency by an Authorization applicant or Authorized Operator evidencing its undertaking and financial capacity, whether directly or through a guarantor or an insurance policy, to satisfy the liability compensation limit in the event of Damage caused to a third party as a result of its conduct of, or participation in the execution of, a specific Space Activity or Other Activity Related to the Space Sector. Sounding Rockets : Research rockets used to obtain information regarding the atmosphere at various altitudes.

Article (3) Regulated Activities 1. The activities specified in clauses (2) and (3) of this Article shall require an Authorization from the Agency in accordance with the Decree by Law, this Resolution, and other regulations in force within the Agency.

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Cabinet Resolution of 2025 Regarding the Regulations on the Authorizations of Space Activities and Other Activities Related to the Space Sector 3 2. Space Activities, which include the following: a. Launch; b. Re-entry of a Space Object; c. De-orbiting or disposal of a Space Object; d. Operation of Launch sites or Space Object Re-entry sites; e. Operation of Space Objects, including the command and control thereof; f. Space Communications Activities; g. Space navigation, remote sensing, or earth observation activities; h. Space situational awareness (SSA) activities, including awareness of the current situation and surrounding conditions in outer space, and related monitoring and tracking of space objects; i. Exploration, exploitation, extraction, or utilization of Space Resources, whether for commercial, scientific, or other purposes; j. Provision of logistical support services in Outer Space; k. Scientific exploration of space, the conduct of scientific experiments related to the Space Sector, or participation in astronomy activities; l. Human Spaceflights, long-term human habitation in space, or the construction or use of facilities in Space or on the surface of celestial bodies, whether on a permanent or temporary basis; m. Manufacturing, assembling, completing, developing, testing, transporting, storing, trading in, disposing of, or repurposing space technologies; and n. Any other Space Activities as determined by a Cabinet Resolution upon the proposal of the Board of Directors. 3. Other Activities Related to the Space Sector, which include the following: a. Space-Support Flights and High-Altitude Activities that are not subject to Federal Law No. (20) of 1991 Promulgating the Civil Aviation Act, whether conducted within the State Territory or involving an aircraft or airborne vehicle registered in the State; b. Space Data management activities, including the reception, storage, processing, distribution, archiving, or disposal of any Space Data; and

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Cabinet Resolution of 2025 Regarding the Regulations on the Authorizations of Space Activities and Other Activities Related to the Space Sector 4 c. Any other activities related to the Space Sector as determined by a Cabinet Resolution upon the proposal of the Board of Directors.

Article (4) Criteria for Assessing Authorization Applications 1. The Agency shall assess applications for Authorization of Space Activities or Other Activities Related to the Space Sector in accordance with the following criteria: a. The potential risks that may affect public health and safety, and the safety of property, whether within or outside the State Territory; b. The protection of the security and interests of the State; c. The public policy of the State and its foreign relations; d. The obligations established under the legislation in force in the State, including those arising under relevant international treaties and agreements to which the State is a party; e. The environment and its protection, whether within or outside the State Territory, including the environment of Outer Space and on the surfaces of other celestial bodies; f. The competence, experience, and administrative, financial, and technical capacity of the applicant to conduct the activities for which the Authorization is sought, having particular regard to the leadership competencies of the applicant entity; g. The provision of a Compensation Guarantee Instrument to cover liability for Damage that may be caused to third parties as a result of the conduct of the activities to be authorized, or any other guarantees submitted by the applicant and approved by the Agency; h. The applicant obtaining of all required Authorizations and approvals from other Government Authorities relevant to the activity to be authorized, whether within or outside the State, where applicable; i. The extent of the Applicant's compliance with other applicable national legislation within the State that may be relevant to the Space Activity to be authorized, and where the applicant conducts Space Activities in other countries, the Agency may request

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Cabinet Resolution of 2025 Regarding the Regulations on the Authorizations of Space Activities and Other Activities Related to the Space Sector 5 information and evidence demonstrating the applicant's compliance with the legislation in force in those countries for the purpose of assessing such information and evidence when deciding on the grant of the Authorization; j. The applicant's adherence to the requirements of the guidelines issued by the Agency and the required periodic reports, including those relating to Space Debris mitigation; and k. Any other factors which the Agency deems appropriate to consider in light of the specific characteristics of the applicant's request and the nature of the activities for which Authorization is sought. 2. Upon assessing an Authorization application, the Agency shall take into account the nature of the applicant's business and experience, and the nature of the activity to be authorized, having regard to the likelihood and potential impact of the risks associated with that activity. Each case shall be assessed individually during the application process.

Article (5) Review of Authorization Applications Upon reviewing an Authorization application, the Agency shall observe the criteria stipulated in Article (5) of this Resolution, and shall, in particular: 1. Verify that the activities to be conducted pursuant to the Authorization ensure the efficient and rational use of natural resources, including radio frequencies and satellite orbits, as well as emergency plans and safety procedures for risk management, including any risk mitigation measures, in accordance with applicable requirements within the State and relevant international obligations. 2. Assess the security and safety aspects of the Space Activities or Other Activities Related to the Space Sector. The Agency may require the applicant to submit an operations security and safety plan detailing mechanisms for addressing exceptional circumstances that may arise during the Launch or Re-entry of a Space Object, and measures necessary to minimize adverse impacts on the Outer Space environment and mitigate the proliferation of Space Debris. The plan shall also include mechanisms for notifying the Agency of any risks that affect, or are likely to affect, Space Activities or Other Activities Related to the

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Cabinet Resolution of 2025 Regarding the Regulations on the Authorizations of Space Activities and Other Activities Related to the Space Sector 6 Space Sector; and for providing the Agency, without delay, with any updates or amendments to the plan. 3. Ensure compliance with the conditions and provisions governing the Authorizations of Human Spaceflights, in accordance with the relevant regulations applicable to such flights. 4. Review the arrangements for guaranteeing compensation for Damage caused to third parties arising from the conduct of Space Activities (third party liability). 5. Verify that the applicant holds all required commercial licenses required for conducting commercial activities within the State, and assess the financial and administrative capabilities and expertise required for the conduct of Space Activities. 6. Verify that the applicant has obtained all required Authorizations and approvals from other Government Authorities relevant to the activity to be authorized, whether within or outside the State, where applicable. 7. Assess the technical and operational qualifications of the applicant's personnel involved in the Regulated Activities in accordance with Article (3) of this Resolution. The Agency may request additional information regarding such personnel where it deems necessary. 8. Ensure the availability of appropriate communication channels enabling the Agency to obtain information and updates relevant to the Regulated Activities set forth in this Resolution, to enable the Agency to exercise its competencies.

Article (6) Conditions for Obtaining an Authorizations 1. To obtain an Authorization to conduct Space Activities or Other Activities Related to the Space Sector, an Authorization applicant shall satisfy the following conditions: a. Demonstrate the competence, experience, and administrative, financial, and technical capability required to conduct the activities for which Authorization is sought; b. Provide a Compensation Guarantee Instrument covering liability for Damage caused to third parties during the conduct of Space Activities (third party liability), in accordance with the regulations in force within the Agency;

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Cabinet Resolution of 2025 Regarding the Regulations on the Authorizations of Space Activities and Other Activities Related to the Space Sector 7 c. Obtain all required approvals from other Government Authorities, whether within or outside the State, where applicable; d. Hold the commercial licenses required for conducting commercial activities within the State; e. Submit a risk management plan, including an emergency response mechanism, and notify the Agency of any updates thereto; and f. Provide the necessary measures and plans for Space Debris mitigation and the limitation of its effects, in accordance with the regulations applicable within the Agency. 2. The Cabinet may, upon the proposal of the Chairman of the Board of Directors, amend any of the conditions stipulated in clause (1) of this Article.

Article (7) Contracts and Foreign Partnerships 1. The Agency may require the Authorized Operator to submit information regarding its contracts with domestic or foreign companies and the purpose thereof. The Agency may further request copies of such contracts to verify the Authorized Operator's compliance with the obligations stipulated in this Resolution, without prejudice to the confidentiality of information. 2. Where the Authorized Operator enters into new contracts with domestic or foreign companies that were not previously disclosed to the Agency, whether in the Authorization application or during its review, and such contracts have a material impact on the operation of the authorized activities, the Authorized Operator shall notify the Agency of such new contracts immediately or upon the Agency’s request.

Article (8) Space-Support Flight Activities and High-Altitude Activities 1. Operators wishing to conduct Space-Support Flight or High-Altitude Activities shall obtain an Authorization from the Agency, subject to the following conditions:

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Cabinet Resolution of 2025 Regarding the Regulations on the Authorizations of Space Activities and Other Activities Related to the Space Sector 8 a. Complying with the conditions and terms for issuing Authorizations pursuant to this Resolution and any other regulations in force within the Agency concerning Space- Support Flight Activities or High-Altitude Activities; b. Submitting evidence demonstrating that the primary purpose of conducting the Space-Support Flight Activities to be authorized is to support the conduct of Space Activities, including experimental and training activities; c. Submitting evidence of having obtained any required approvals have been obtained from other Government Authorities, whether within or outside the State, as necessary for the operation of Space-Support Flight Activities or High-Altitude Activities; and d. Submitting any certificates, or fulfilling any requirements, relating to air traffic management. 2. The provisions set out in this Resolution shall apply to Authorizations issued pursuant to this Article, including provisions regarding Authorization renewal, amendment, transfer, suspension, or revocation, the provision of information requested by the Agency regarding contracts concluded by the Operator with entities outside the State, and review procedures, to the extent commensurate with the nature of Space-Support Flight Activities and High-Altitude Activities. 3. The Agency shall, following a technical assessment of the risks associated with the activities, determine whether to require the Operator to provide a guarantee or obtain insurance coverage to cover the risks of Damage to the State or third parties arising from Space-Support Flight Activities and High-Altitude Activities. 4. Where the Agency grants an Authorization for Space-Support Flight Activities or High- Altitude Activities that involve crewed flight, the Agency shall ensure the Authorization applicant fulfills the following requirements: a. Providing evidence that the natural person has been informed of the risks associated with such flights and that such risks have been explained thereto; b. A declaration by the natural person, in accordance with the form approved by the Agency, confirming their consent to undertake such flights and their commitment to comply with the relevant legislation in force in the State;

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Cabinet Resolution of 2025 Regarding the Regulations on the Authorizations of Space Activities and Other Activities Related to the Space Sector 9 c. Providing evidence that the natural person has completed the required training and that they are physically and medically fit to undertake such flights, as determined by a decision of the Board of Directors; d. Providing evidence that all necessary risk and safety assessments have been conducted and that an appropriate emergency plan is in place; and e. Complying with the legislation in force regarding Civil Aviation in the State.

Article (9) Sounding Rockets 1. The conduct of Sounding Rocket Launch Activities shall be prohibited unless an Authorization has been obtained from the Agency. 2. The provisions of this Resolution regarding Authorizations shall apply where an Authorization applicant or Authorized Operator, as the case may be, intends to launch a Sounding Rocket into Outer Space. 3. The Authorization applicant or Authorized Operator shall comply with the conditions and terms governing the issuance of Authorizations in accordance with the provisions of this Resolution. 4. Prior to Launch, the Authorization applicant shall obtain the necessary approvals or Authorizations from other Government Authorities to conduct the activity, including the Authorization to utilize the airspace of the State issued by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). 5. The Authorization issued pursuant to this Article shall be subject to the provisions set out in this Resolution, including those relating to renewal, amendment, transfer, suspension, or revocation of the Authorization, foreign contracts, and review procedures, to the extent commensurate with the nature of Sounding Rocket Launch Activities.

Article (10)

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Cabinet Resolution of 2025 Regarding the Regulations on the Authorizations of Space Activities and Other Activities Related to the Space Sector 10 Space Object Launch and Re-entry Activities, and the Operation of their Sites 1. Operators shall obtain an Authorization from the Agency to conduct Space Object Launch and Re-entry activities, and the operation of their sites, subject to the following conditions: a. Complying with the terms and conditions for issuing Authorizations stipulated in this Resolution and any other regulations in force within the Agency concerning Space Object Launch and Re-entry activities, and the operation of their sites; b. Obtaining any necessary approvals or Authorizations from other Government Authorities, whether within or outside the State, for the establishment of spaceports or the conduct of Launch and Re-entry activities, and the operation of their sites; c. Submitting any certificates, or fulfilling any requirements, relating to air traffic management and navigation corridors, including affected air routes, altitudes, reserved areas, and closure periods; and d. Providing evidence that all necessary environmental, risk, and safety assessments have been conducted, and that appropriate emergency plans are in place, in coordination with the relevant entities. 2. Space Object Launch and Re-entry activities, and operation of their sites shall include the following: a. The establishment, ownership, or operation of spaceports, including Launch sites, Space Object Re-entry sites, Launch facilities, and mobile Launch platforms. b. The operation of Launch Vehicles. c. The operation of Re-entry vehicles. d. The launch of satellites or payloads. 3. The conditions, controls, and procedures governing Space Object Launch and Re-entry activities, and the operation of their sites shall be determined by a decision issued by the Board of Directors.

Article (11)

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Cabinet Resolution of 2025 Regarding the Regulations on the Authorizations of Space Activities and Other Activities Related to the Space Sector 11 Categories of Authorization 1. The categories of Authorizations issued by the Agency for the conduct of Space Activities or Other Activities Related to the Space Sector are hereby established as follows: a. License: issued for the conduct of activities for the purpose of providing commercial services or generating a financial return. b. Approval (Non-Commercial License): granted to Government Authorities, academic institutions, or research institutions to conduct activities for scientific or research purposes, where such activities are not intended to provide commercial services. c. Permit: granted to an applicant to conduct a specific activity without financial return, for the purpose of facilitating the implementation of activities authorized by the Agency. d. Experimental License: granted for the purpose of conducting an experiment or testing a specific space technology or system without providing services for financial return. 2. Upon the request of an applicant, the Agency may issue a No-Objection Certificate to facilitate the completion of procedures for obtaining approvals or certificates from other entities. 3. The Agency may grant an Authorization enabling the applicant to execute a specific activity on multiple occasions, provided that such activity is executed in accordance with identical or similar specifications and conditions as determined by the Agency. 4. The Agency may grant an Authorization to the Government Authorities within the State that conduct multiple Space Activities, without the need to obtain a separate Authorization for each activity within the same category, provided that the entity notifies the Agency of each activity it conducts. 5. The Agency shall issue the Authorizations stipulated in this Article upon the applicant’s completion of the Authorization application form, submission of all required information and documents, evidence of compliance with the prescribed standards, and acceptance of the applicable terms and conditions.

Article (12) Procedures for Submitting Authorization Applications

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Cabinet Resolution of 2025 Regarding the Regulations on the Authorizations of Space Activities and Other Activities Related to the Space Sector 12 1. Authorization applications shall be submitted using the form prescribed by the Agency, in adherence to the conditions stipulated in this Resolution and any other conditions established by the Agency. 2. The Authorization application form shall include, at a minimum, the following basic information: a. General information concerning the applicant; b. Financial information relating to the applicant; c. Designated points of contact and authorized representatives of the applicant; d. Details of the activity for which the Authorization is sought; e. Identification of any other entity participating in the execution of the activity; f. The risk management plan related to the activity; and g. The approvals and Permits required from other entities. 3. The applicant shall declare the accuracy and correctness of the information submitted. 4. The Agency shall maintain the confidentiality of information submitted by the applicant, and may not disclose such information to any Person not involved in the Authorization procedures without the prior consent of the applicant, in accordance with the legislation in force in this regard.

Article (13) Mechanism for Granting Authorizations 1. The Agency shall review and assess the Authorization application within (5) five working days after all Authorization requirements have been satisfied. Upon completion of the assessment, the Agency may: a. Issue the Authorization, specifying its scope, duration, and the legal effects resulting from its termination; b. Notify the applicant of the need to fulfil any additional requirements or to submit further approvals, information, or documents necessary for the issuance of the Authorization within a timeframe specified in the notification; or c. Refuse to grant the Authorization.

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Cabinet Resolution of 2025 Regarding the Regulations on the Authorizations of Space Activities and Other Activities Related to the Space Sector 13 2. The applicant shall fulfill the Authorization requirements specified by the Agency, including the submission of any additional approvals, information, or documents, within the period determined by the Agency. Failure to submit the required items within such period shall result in the application being deemed cancelled, and a new application shall be required unless the Agency accepts the justification provided for the delay. 3. Where the Agency refuses to grant an Authorization or decides to amend the conditions of any existing Authorization, its decision shall be reasoned, and the applicant shall be notified thereof. 4. The lapse of the period referred to in Clause (1) of this Article without the issuance of the Authorization or without a request for additional information or documentation shall be deemed a rejection of the application. 5. The Authorization applicant shall not submit false, misleading, or incomplete data or documents to the Agency in connection with the Authorization application subject to the provisions of this Resolution. 6. The Authorization issued by the Agency shall include the following information: a. Details of the applicant or the Authorized Operator; b. The category and nature of the Authorization; c. The scope and validity period of the Authorization; and d. The applicable terms and conditions. 7. The Authorized Operator shall notify the Agency of any developments or changes occurring after the issuance of the Authorization that affect its terms and conditions, the authorized activities, or the conditions from which the Operator was exempted for the purpose of obtaining the Authorization. 8. The Agency may conduct periodic audits to verify the Authorized Operator's compliance with the terms and conditions of the Authorization. 9. The Agency may review its decisions regarding the issuance, amendment, transfer, or revocation of an Authorization, including exemptions from Authorization conditions, and take appropriate action. 10. The granting of an Authorization under this Resolution shall not exempt the Operator or Authorization applicant from obtaining any other Authorizations, licenses, or approvals

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Cabinet Resolution of 2025 Regarding the Regulations on the Authorizations of Space Activities and Other Activities Related to the Space Sector 14 required by any other Government Entity to enable the conduct of Space Activities in accordance with the legislation in force in the State.

Article (16) Amendment of Authorizations 1. The Agency may, upon the request of the Authorized Operator or on its own motion, include or attach an Authorization previously issued with another Authorization, where appropriate.

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Cabinet Resolution of 2025 Regarding the Regulations on the Authorizations of Space Activities and Other Activities Related to the Space Sector 15 2. The Agency may amend an Authorization in any of the following cases: a. Upon the request of the Authorized Operator, provided that such amendment is subject to assessment in accordance with the criteria specified in Article (5) of this Resolution; or b. With the consent of the Authorized Operator, for the purpose of complying with any new conditions or requirements imposed by the Agency pursuant to a decision issued thereby. 3. The Agency shall issue its decision amending the Authorization, taking into account the minimum extent necessary to ensure the Authorized Operator's continued compliance with the terms and conditions of the Authorization. 4. The Authorized Operator shall bear all costs arising from the amendment of the Authorization conditions or requirements, or from its inclusion in or attachment to another Authorization previously issued.

Article (17) Transfer of Authorization 1. The Authorized Operator may transfer the Authorization to a third party, subject to obtaining the prior written approval of the Agency. 2. When granting approval for the transfer of the Permit, the Agency shall ensure that the transferee satisfies the terms and conditions of the Authorization in accordance with this Resolution, and any other procedures required for transfer to Persons outside the State, including ensuring the continuity of Compensation coverage for any liability that may arise against the State vis-à-vis third parties. 3. The Agency shall issue its approval for the transfer upon payment of any prescribed fees. 4. The transfer of an Authorization to a third party shall not relieve any Operator of any obligation or liability established prior to the date of transfer. 5. Without prejudice to any criminal liability, the transfer of an Authorization without the prior approval of the Agency is prohibited. In the event of a violation, the transferor and the transferee shall be jointly and severally liable.

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Cabinet Resolution of 2025 Regarding the Regulations on the Authorizations of Space Activities and Other Activities Related to the Space Sector 16

Article (18) Exemption from Authorization Conditions 1. By a decision of the Chairman of the Board of Directors, a temporary committee may be formed with competence to exempt any Operator from any conditions, controls, or procedures relating to an Authorization, where the activities for which a Permit is sought are of significant importance and contribute to the qualitative development of Space Activities within the State or yield substantial economic or social benefits to the State. 2. Where an Operator is granted an exemption from any terms or conditions necessary for obtaining an Authorization under this Resolution, such Operator shall: a. Obtain all required approvals from other relevant Government Authorities prior to the issuance of the Authorization; and b. Provide a Compensation Guarantee Instrument approved by the Agency in accordance with the provisions of the Decree by Law or any other regulations in force within the Agency.

Article (20) Measures for Maintaining Security and Safety 1. The concerned Government Authorities may, in coordination with the Agency, order the suspension of Space Activities or Other Activities Related to the Space Sector, or take any necessary and feasible measures, including the operation or control of a Space Object, aircraft, or other Space-Support Flights, in the event of a threat to national security or the

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Cabinet Resolution of 2025 Regarding the Regulations on the Authorizations of Space Activities and Other Activities Related to the Space Sector 17 existence of serious risks to public health or safety. Any intervention pursuant to this Clause shall be without prejudice to any fines or sanctions that may be imposed on an Authorized Operator for violating the Authorization or this Resolution. 2. In cases of national emergencies or crises, the Agency may require an Authorized Operator to carry out certain activities related to the nature of their operations to support the management of such emergencies or crises, in accordance with the available capabilities and cooperation agreements between the Agency and the Authorized Operator.

Article (22) Grievance Against Agency Decisions 1. An Authorization applicant or an Authorized Operator may file a grievance against any decision issued by the Agency pursuant to the provisions of this Resolution, within (60) sixty working days from the date of being notified of the decision. Such grievance shall be filed in writing with the Chairman of the Board of Directors and shall be accompanied by all supporting documents. The grievance shall be decided on by a reasoned decision issued by the Chairman of the Board of Directors within (90) ninety working days from the date of its filing. Failure to issue a decision within the aforementioned period shall be deemed a rejection of the grievance. 2. The decision issued regarding the grievance shall be final. No appeal may be brought against such decision unless a grievance has been filed, and either a decision on the grievance has been issued, or the period prescribed for deciding on the grievance has lapsed without a response.

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Cabinet Resolution of 2025 Regarding the Regulations on the Authorizations of Space Activities and Other Activities Related to the Space Sector 18