How the Space Industry Can Help Future-Proof Life on Earth – International Experts Gather in Dubai to Discuss

Decision makers and policy pioneers from the space sector will gather in Dubai to discuss trends and challenges in the new space economy at SATExpo Middle East 2025, which takes place from May 13 to 15, 2025, at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

The two-day event’s summit will look at how satellites can transform life on earth, with topics including ‘Space Technology Adoption in Emerging Markets,’ ‘The Road to In-Orbit Sustainability,’ ‘AI’s Role in Transforming the Use of Satellite Data,’ and more.

With the satellite sector booming - projected to grow at 16.1% annually - the Summit’s expert-led sessions will tackle urgent questions: How can space tech combat climate crises? Where does AI intersect with orbital infrastructure? And who’s redefining connectivity beyond terrestrial limits?

Futureproofing from orbit – a critical mission

From LEO revolutions to AI-driven satellite data, the summit’s speaker roster reads like a who’s-who of innovators and forward-thinkers within this rapidly growing industry.

Highlights include an opening address by Amer AlSayegh, Assistant Director General for Aerospace Engineering Sector at Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC); Rivada Space Networks unveiling Outernet, a game-changer in secure global connectivity; SpaceData merging AI, digital twins, and pharmaceutical research in zero gravity, plus Astroscale Japan Inc., Es’hailSat, Axiom Space, Neo Space Group, and 30+ more pioneers dissecting the $22.5B+ satellite economy.

“Terrestrial systems are fragmented - space is the answer,” declares Joe Apa, Rivada Space Networks VP MEA, ahead of his keynote on LEO’s future.

“Today’s global enterprises and government networks require infrastructure solutions that address the issues of cybersecurity, latency, and speed associated with the complexity and fragmentation of terrestrial systems,” Apa continued. “At the SATExpo ME Summit, I will proudly represent Rivada, delivering a keynote speech on the ‘Future of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Services’. Moreover, attendees visiting the stand can explore our latest service, ‘Outernet’, which is a revolutionary private network satellite that redefines global connectivity.”

While Apa envisions a connected future from orbit, Takata pushes boundaries further, where space data meets AI to redefine industries beyond Earth.

Atsushi Takata, Executive Vice President, Space Utilisation and Global Strategy, SpaceData, said: “At SpaceData, our mission is to merge the realms of ‘space’ and ‘digital’ by integrating technologies from satellites, space stations, and lunar exploration with AI, 3DCG, and digital twins. Our recent investment in Exobiosphere, a Luxembourg-based biotechnology company pioneering pharmaceutical research in space, is a testament to our commitment to advancing innovation at the intersection of these fields. I look forward to discussing ‘AI’s role in Transforming Use of Satellite Data and Bridging New Space Economy’ at the upcoming Summit.”

Co-located with B2B media and broadcast technology event CABSAT, SATExpo is launched by DWTC to fuel investment, partnerships, and innovation in the space sector, with the two events bridging broadcast, digital media, and the final frontier.

Access to the two-day Summit is complimentary with delegate passes for SATExpo 2025, which can be obtained by registering here.

About SATExpo:

A meticulously crafted exhibition to boost investment, forge global partnerships, and drive the exchange of innovative satellite technologies, thereby energising the growth and dynamism of the space economy in burgeoning markets.

Co-located with CABSAT, this event harnesses synergies between satellite communication, satellite services, broadcast, and digital media industries, offering a comprehensive platform for cross-sector collaboration in space technology innovation. In addition to highlighting the most important aspects of the space economy, the exhibition also features a buyers’ programme; an innovation capsule for start-ups; a carefully curated conference; a summit discussing regulation and investment, as well as a strategic networking forum.

About Dubai World Trade Centre:

A global business facilitator since 1979, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) is home to the region’s leading purpose-built convention and exhibition centre. DWTC provides a platform for connecting people, products, innovation, and ideas from around the world through a dynamic calendar of international trade exhibitions and its own roster of sector leading mega events.  As a designated free zone, complemented by award-winning commercial real estate, DWTC plays an integral role in Dubai and the region’s growth story with an estimated total economic output of AED 200 billion, attracting over 30 million business visitors to Dubai over the past four decades.

Building on this legacy, DWTC’s second flagship venue, the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC), stands as a premier destination for prominent national and international mega events. Strategically aligned with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, DEC’s recently announced AED 10 billion expansion is integral to Expo City Dubai’s vision of becoming a global business hub for exhibitions and events. Additionally, developed and managed by DWTC for Expo 2020 Dubai, Expo Village hosts a vibrant residential community with 2,273 units across four clusters, also integrated within the Expo City Dubai ecosystem.