...the latest space technology and emerging commercial and investment opportunities at a time when the UAE is moving ahead to lead the Middle East into space. The Global Space & Satellite Forum, the region’s premier space and satellite industry event, will provide a valuable opportunity for international space experts to network with regional leaders and share information about upcoming commercial space applications in earth observation, remote sensing, location based services, navigation and military satellite communications (MILSATCOM).

The Middle East is fast becoming a major aerospace hub boosted by investment in technology, expertise and facilities. At the focal point of the new push is the US$50 million DubaiSat-2 Earth observation satellite by the Emirates Institute for Advanced Science and Technology (EIAST) slated for launch this year, providing ample evidence of the Emirates’ thought leadership role in space technology research and creation of regional space programs.

Taking place from May 7th through 8th, 2013, at the Ritz Carlton Grand Canal, the fourth edition of the forum is co-located with the Milsatcom Middle East conference, featuring speakers from the UAE Armed Forces, and Ministry of Defence and Aviation Saudi Arabia. International speakers include those from the Ministry of Defence in the U.K., U.S. Department of State and Canadian Armed Forces.

The Global Space and Satellite Forum comprises a notable line-up of top ranking officials from more than 20 regional national space programs and research centres who will deliver presentations about developments in earth observation, disaster management and geo-information services, space policy and the economics of commercial space business.

The Global Space and Satellite Forum and Milsatcom Middle East is supported by Space Reconnaissance, Emirates Institute for Advanced Science and Technology (EIAST), Telecommunication Regulatory Authority (TRA) and GVF and sponsored by Gold Sponsors Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd., Yahsat, Astrium, Thales and ThalesAlenia Space.

Safa Telecom, SES, Space Systems/Loral, Boeing, Spacex, Arianespace, Newtec, Telenor Satellite Broadcasting, Lockheed Martin, Integral Systems Europe and SkyStream have signed on as Session Sponsors, Coffee Break Sponsors, Delegate Pack sponsors and Wi-Fi sponsors.