Dubai advanced its position in the global space economy as the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre and DIFC’s Innovation Hub signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the Dubai Airshow to launch Space for Earth Labs, a new platform designed to accelerate the commercial use of space technologies.
The initiative will connect space ventures with governments, industries, and financial institutions across the Global South. Its goal is to strengthen Dubai’s role as a leading centre for space technology applications, financing, and insurance while supporting the UAE’s push toward a diversified, knowledge-driven economy.
Based within the DIFC Innovation Hub, Space for Earth Labs will offer a complete ecosystem for SpaceTech start-ups, including venture licensing, co-working spaces, and specialised programmes that help companies establish and scale their solutions across the region.
The first programme under the platform is the Geospatial Accelerator, developed with RELM Insurance. It will invite regional and international scale-ups to pilot Earth observation and AI-driven solutions focused on climate resilience, environmental monitoring, infrastructure optimisation, and insurance innovation. Public agencies and major corporates will participate as end users.
Through the partnership, MBRSC and DIFC aim to strengthen public–private collaboration and turn advanced research and space data into market-ready solutions that support national priorities in sustainability and innovation.
The Geospatial Accelerator is now open for submissions. Selected participants will receive soft-landing support, licensing facilitation, access to satellite data, expert mentorship, and direct engagement with UAE government entities for pilot project development.
Officials said the partnership reflects Dubai’s growing leadership in integrating space, technology, finance, and sustainability to shape the region’s future economy.
News Source: Dubai Media Office
