Legislation Details
- Full Title: Federal Decree by Law Concerning the Regulation of the Space Sector
- Law Type: Federal Decree-Law
- Law Number: [46] of 2023
- Issued Date: 28 Sep 2023
- Effective Date: 29 Oct 2023
- Official Gazette: No. 760
- Sector: Telecommunication, Technology and Space
- Status: Active
- Number of Articles: 96
- Chapters/Parts: 0
- Amendments: 0
Summary
This Federal Decree-Law regulates the space sector in the United Arab Emirates, including space activities such as launching, operating, and deorbiting space objects, as well as other space-related activities like space data management and high-altitude flights. The law aims to organize the space sector, encourage private and academic participation, and ensure the long-term stability and sustainability of space activities. It establishes the UAE Space Agency as the regulatory authority and imposes various licensing, liability, and compliance requirements on space operators. (Federal Decree by Law Concerning the Regulation of the Space Sector, 2023, Art. 1-4) The law is significant for businesses and individuals involved in the UAE's growing space industry, as it provides a comprehensive legal framework to govern their activities and ensure compliance with safety, security, and environmental standards. It also supports the UAE's commitment to international space treaties and promotes transparency in the sector. (Federal Decree by Law Concerning the Regulation of the Space Sector, 2023, Art. 2)
What is the scope and purpose of this law?
The scope of this Federal Decree-Law covers space activities and other space sector-related activities carried out in the UAE territory, by UAE nationals or companies, or using space objects registered in the UAE. It regulates a wide range of space activities, including launching, operating, and deorbiting space objects, as well as space-supporting flights, high-altitude activities, and space data management. (Federal Decree by Law Concerning the Regulation of the Space Sector, 2023, Art. 3-4) The law's main objectives are to: 1) organize the space sector and related activities, 2) stimulate investment and encourage private and academic participation, 3) enhance the long-term stability and sustainability of space activities, and 4) support the UAE's commitment to international space treaties. (Federal Decree by Law Concerning the Regulation of the Space Sector, 2023, Art. 2)
What are the key definitions under this law?
The law provides the following key definitions:
- State: United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- State Territory: The UAE lands, territorial sea, and airspace, including free zones or areas with special economic status
- Government Entities: Ministries, public authorities, and federal or local government agencies in the UAE
- Agency: UAE Space Agency
- Outer Space: Any area 80 kilometers or more above mean sea level
- Space Object: Any object made, launched, or aimed to be launched into or under outer space, whether manned or unmanned
- Launch: The process of launching or attempting to launch a space object
- Space Activities: Activities targeting outer space and the associated technical operations
- Space-Flight: A space activity where a space object transports individuals, creatures, equipment, or payloads to, under, or through outer space
- Incident: An event affecting the safety or causing damage to space activities, objects, or property
- Accident: An event leading to death, severe damage, or destruction in space activities
- Space Debris: Space objects or their parts that have no role or purpose
(Federal Decree by Law Concerning the Regulation of the Space Sector, 2023, Art. 1)
What are the main obligations and requirements?
The key obligations and requirements under this law include: 1. Obtaining a permit or no-objection certificate from the UAE Space Agency before conducting any space activities listed in the law. (Federal Decree by Law Concerning the Regulation of the Space Sector, 2023, Art. 5) 2. For manned space-flights, the operator must submit proof of the participant's awareness of risks, written approval, completed training, physical fitness, and a suitable emergency plan. (Federal Decree by Law Concerning the Regulation of the Space Sector, 2023, Art. 6) 3. Obtaining a permit for the use of space nuclear energy sources. (Federal Decree by Law Concerning the Regulation of the Space Sector, 2023, Art. 7) 4. Complying with requirements for the exploration, exploitation, and use of space resources. (Federal Decree by Law Concerning the Regulation of the Space Sector, 2023, Art. 8) 5. Implementing space debris mitigation measures. (Federal Decree by Law Concerning the Regulation of the Space Sector, 2023, Art. 9) 6. Obtaining the necessary insurance and guarantees to cover liability for damage caused by space activities. (Federal Decree by Law Concerning the Regulation of the Space Sector, 2023, Art. 14)
What licensing, registration, or approval requirements exist?
The law requires operators to obtain a permit or no-objection certificate from the UAE Space Agency before conducting any of the space activities listed in Article 4, such as launching, operating, or deorbiting space objects, as well as space-supporting flights and high-altitude activities. (Federal Decree by Law Concerning the Regulation of the Space Sector, 2023, Art. 5) The Agency is responsible for granting, renewing, suspending, amending, or cancelling these permits, and can refuse to issue them if deemed contrary to the public interest. The law also allows the Agency's Chairman to exempt certain operators or activities from the permit requirement. (Federal Decree by Law Concerning the Regulation of the Space Sector, 2023, Art. 5) Additionally, the law requires operators to register their space objects with the Agency and the United Nations in accordance with the Convention on Registration of Objects Launched into Outer Space. (Federal Decree by Law Concerning the Regulation of the Space Sector, 2023, Art. 19)
What rights and protections does this law provide?
The law does not explicitly outline any specific rights or protections granted to individuals or businesses. It is focused on regulating the space sector and imposing obligations on operators rather than conferring rights. (Federal Decree by Law Concerning the Regulation of the Space Sector, 2023)
Which authorities or bodies are responsible for enforcement?
The key authorities and bodies responsible for the enforcement of this law are: 1. The UAE Space Agency: The Agency is the main regulatory authority, responsible for issuing permits, registrations, and no-objection certificates for space activities. It also has the power to suspend, amend, or cancel permits. (Federal Decree by Law Concerning the Regulation of the Space Sector, 2023, Art. 5, 33, 36) 2. The Board of Directors (BOD) of the UAE Space Agency: The BOD, chaired by the Minister of State for Public Education and Advanced Technology, can issue resolutions to implement the provisions of this law. The BOD Chairman can also form an interim committee to exempt certain operators or activities from permit requirements. (Federal Decree by Law Concerning the Regulation of the Space Sector, 2023, Art. 5, 37, 38) 3. Other government entities: The law requires cooperation between the Agency and other relevant government entities in the UAE. (Federal Decree by Law Concerning the Regulation of the Space Sector, 2023, Art. 33)
What are the penalties for non-compliance?
The law specifies the following penalties for non-compliance: 1. Administrative measures and fines: - Fines ranging from AED 50,000 to AED 5,000,000 for various violations. (Federal Decree by Law Concerning the Regulation of the Space Sector, 2023, Art. 25, 27) - Suspension or cancellation of permits. (Federal Decree by Law Concerning the Regulation of the Space Sector, 2023, Art. 5) 2. Criminal penalties: - Imprisonment for a period not exceeding 5 years and/or a fine not exceeding AED 5,000,000 for certain violations. (Federal Decree by Law Concerning the Regulation of the Space Sector, 2023, Art. 27) - Deportation for non-UAE nationals. (Federal Decree by Law Concerning the Regulation of the Space Sector, 2023, Art. 27) The law also provides for harsher penalties in cases of recidivism. (Federal Decree by Law Concerning the Regulation of the Space Sector, 2023, Art. 31)
What fees, charges, or financial provisions are specified?
The law does not specify any fees, charges, or other financial provisions. It only mentions that the general conditions, controls, and procedures related to the issuance of permits, including any fees, shall be determined by a Cabinet resolution. (Federal Decree by Law Concerning the Regulation of the Space Sector, 2023, Art. 5)
What exemptions or exceptions apply?
The law provides the following exemptions and exceptions: 1. The BOD Chairman can form an interim committee to exempt any specific space operator or activities from obtaining a permit or no-objection certificate, or from any special conditions, controls, or procedures. (Federal Decree by Law Concerning the Regulation of the Space Sector, 2023, Art. 5) 2. As an exception, any person wishing to practice satellite communications activities must obtain a no-objection certificate from the Agency, but the final permit will be issued by the competent authority regulating communications in the UAE. (Federal Decree by Law Concerning the Regulation of the Space Sector, 2023, Art. 5) The legislation does not specify any other exemptions or exceptions. (Federal Decree by Law Concerning the Regulation of the Space Sector, 2023)
How are disputes resolved under this law?
The law does not provide any specific details on dispute resolution mechanisms. It only states that the Agency's resolutions can be appealed, but the legislation does not outline the appeal process or the competent authority for handling such appeals. (Federal Decree by Law Concerning the Regulation of the Space Sector, 2023, Art. 36)
What are the key deadlines and time limits?
The law does not specify any key deadlines or time limits, other than the effective date of 29 October 2023. (Federal Decree by Law Concerning the Regulation of the Space Sector, 2023, Art. 40)
How does this law interact with other UAE legislation?
This Federal Decree-Law is related to the following UAE legislation: 1. Federal Law No. (1) of 1972 Concerning the Jurisdictions of Ministries and Powers of Ministers, as amended. (Federal Decree by Law Concerning the Regulation of the Space Sector, 2023, Preamble) 2. Federal Law No. (12) of 2019 Regulating the Space Sector, which this Decree-Law appears to replace or supersede. (Federal Decree by Law Concerning the Regulation of the Space Sector, 2023, Preamble) 3. The Convention on Registration of Objects Launched into Outer Space, which the UAE ratified by Federal Decree-Law No. (85) of 2000. (Federal Decree by Law Concerning the Regulation of the Space Sector, 2023, Art. 1) The law does not mention any other specific legislation that it amends or repeals. (Federal Decree by Law Concerning the Regulation of the Space Sector, 2023)
When did this law come into effect?
This Federal Decree-Law came into effect on 29 October 2023, as stated in Article 40. It was published in the Official Gazette No. 760 on 29 September 2023. (Federal Decree by Law Concerning the Regulation of the Space Sector, 2023, Art. 40) The law does not mention any transitional provisions. (Federal Decree by Law Concerning the Regulation of the Space Sector, 2023)
Source Documents
This article analyses Federal Decree by Law Concerning the Regulation of the Space Sector for legal research and educational purposes. For the purpose of interpretation and application, reference must be made to the original Arabic text. In case of conflict, the Arabic text prevails. This does not constitute legal advice.