Delivered by: HE Ibrahim Hamza Al Qasim, Deputy Director General – UAE Space Agency 

Mr. Chair, 

At the outset, the United Arab Emirates aligns itself with the statements delivered by the Arab Group and the Non-Aligned Movement. The UAE underscores the importance of preserving outer space as a global common domain that offers vast prospects and unlimited potential for all humankind, emphasizes the need to uphold the principle of the peaceful use of outer space. This would ensure that the scientific and technological advances are harnessed to support sustainable development and to promote peace and security on Earth. 

The United Arab Emirates also commends the UN initiatives aimed at preventing an arms race in outer space and emphasizes the importance of strengthening multilateral international cooperation to achieve this goal. In this context, we stress the need for all States to adhere to the provisions of the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, given its central role in regulating space activities and promoting their peaceful use, and to refrain from placing weapons of mass destruction and other weapons in orbit around the Earth or in any part of outer space. Such measures are essential to preserve the peaceful nature of outer space and keep it free from threats.

 Mr. Chair, 

Responsible bahaviour by States in the use of outer space is vital for strengthening space security and building mutual trust among nations. Achieving this requires States to adhere to relevant international agreements, implement practical measures to mitigate risks associated with space activities, and prevent the proliferation of sensitive technologies to non-State actors. In this context, the United Arab Emirates calls for strengthened sharing of information and expertise to enhance awareness and promote best practices to ensure the safe and sustainable use of outer space. 

Mr. Chair, 

The United Arab Emirates reaffirms the sovereign right of all States to access outer space and to use it for peaceful purposes, based on the principle of equal opportunities and responsibilities. Such access and use should be conducted in a way that promotes the inclusive and equitable utilization of outer space, enabling developing countries to strengthen their scientific and technological capacities, improving quality of life, and supporting Sustainable Development Goals. 

In conclusion Mr. Chair, the United Arab Emirates welcomes the progress made by the newly established Open-ended Working Group on the Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space under UNGA resolution 79/512, including in its most recent meeting in Geneva in July 2025, and we look forward to its continued work in addressing various aspects related to the prevention of arms race in outer space, including the promotion of responsible behavior by States, to keep outer space a safe and sustainable domain for future generations.

Thank you Mr. Chair.