Scotland has signed a landmark Letter of Intent with the United Arab Emirates aimed at deepening co-operation across a fast-growing range of space activities. The agreement is intended to strengthen Scotland’s international space industry links and open up fresh avenues for trade, investment and joint projects in a market forecast to be worth more than £1.3 trillion by 2035.
The deal, between industry group Space Scotland and Dubai-based Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), sets out plans to collaborate on satellite manufacturing, launch services and space research. It also paves the way for increased business co‑operation, trade missions and joint industry events designed to create commercial opportunities for companies in both countries.
Why Scotland and the UAE are aligning
The partnership recognises Scotland’s emergence as Europe’s largest producer of small satellites and its progress towards establishing sovereign launch capabilities. These strengths align closely with the UAE’s rapidly advancing programme in lunar exploration, Earth observation and wider space science, making the two ecosystems complementary rather than competitive.
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Scotland’s space sector already generates around £381 million in annual income and supports more than 7,000 jobs across more than 240 organisations, from satellite manufacturers to data and downstream service providers. By formalising links with the UAE, ministers and industry leaders believe Scotland can accelerate the growth of high‑value companies and secure a larger share of future global space revenues.
Voices behind the deal
Business minister Richard Lochhead said Scotland’s space industry has been “punching above its weight internationally” and that closer ties with the UAE will unlock new opportunities for collaboration, skills and investment. Scottish Enterprise chief executive Adrian Gillespie described the agreement as a “significant step forward in international co‑operation”, arguing that joint work with MBRSC in advanced satellite technologies, sustainability and space security will deliver long‑term economic benefits.
