For the very first time, the IAC will open its doors to the global space community in the United Arab Emirates, the first Arab country to host the IAC since its establishment in 1950. The United Arab Emirates’ interest in astronomy and space sciences dates back to the 1970’s, when His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan met with the NASA team responsible for the Apollo moon landing. This encounter sparked a national focus on space that began almost three decades ago, eventually leading to the birth of a national space sector.

With the theme “Inspire, Innovate & Discover for the Benefit of Humankind”, the IAC 2020 looks forward to making a contribution to humanity and to science by strengthening and enhancing cooperation between all countries in the space sector.