UAE Space Agency Opens 90-Day Grace Period for Mandatory Sector Licensing Under Federal Decree-Law

ABU DHABI – The UAE Space Agency has formally announced a 90-day grace period for all companies, public and private organizations, and individuals operating or planning to enter the national space sector to regularize their status and acquire necessary approvals.

The window, which took effect on 27 July 2026, is designed to facilitate compliance with Federal Decree-Law No. 46 of 2023 on the Regulation of the Space Sector before legal and supervisory enforcement measures begin.

Scope of the Regulatory Mandate

The directive applies comprehensively across the UAE’s space ecosystem. Both active operators and new market entrants preparing to launch commercial, research, or operational space projects must complete formal registration, permitting, and licensing procedures within the designated timeline.

Osama Al Shehhi, Director of the Space Licensing and Permits Office at the UAE Space Agency, emphasized that national law strictly prohibits conducting any space-related activities without explicit prior approval.

“The law prohibits the practice of any space activities or other activities related to the space sector that fall under its provisions without obtaining the necessary permits or approvals from the UAE Space Agency, in accordance with approved regulations and requirements,” stated Al Shehhi.

Key Requirements and Compliance Steps

To achieve full compliance before the grace period expires, entities engaging in space-related operations must complete the following actions:

• Initial Entity Registration: File formal operational disclosures with the UAE Space Agency via official digital licensing channels.
• Activity-Specific Permits: Secure required permits tailored to specific activities, including satellite operations, ground station management, space technology manufacturing, and space research applications.
• Governance Alignment: Demonstrate compliance with national safety, environmental sustainability, risk mitigation, and operational standards set forth under the 2023 legislative framework.

Enforcement Beyond the 90-Day Window

The UAE Space Agency cautioned that once the grace period expires in late October 2026, non-compliant entities will face formal supervisory interventions and legal penalties under applicable federal legislation.

The licensing framework forms a core pillar of the National Space Strategy 2031, intended to establish a transparent, competitive, and secure legal environment that protects national security, fosters high-tech investment, and upholds international space governance standards.

Stakeholders and commercial operators are advised to initiate application procedures immediately by engaging directly with the UAE Space Agency’s Space Licensing and Permits Office.