Doha, Qatar: The State of Qatar participated in the International Space Summit, held in Paris, France, on September 9 to 10, 2026.
Qatar’s delegation was led by the Minister of Communications and Information Technology H E Mohammed bin Ali Al-Mannai. The Summit brought together Heads of State and Government and around 120 delegations from across the world, as well as representatives of international and regional organisations, scientists, astronauts, private-sector leaders, and members of the scientific community.
The Summit focused on key priorities shaping the future of the space sector, including space security and the sustainability of space operations, the development of the space economy and its contribution to competitiveness and innovation, responsible and sustainable space governance, as well as scientific research, exploration, technological advancement, and the development of skills and capabilities in related fields.
The Summit also highlighted the growing role of space applications in everyday life and across a wide range of sectors, particularly communications, navigation, Earth observation, smart devices, transportation, and telehealth, reflecting the sector’s increasing importance and its impact on scientific, technological, and economic development.
Commenting on Qatar’s participation, Minister Al-Mannai, said, “The space sector is undergoing rapid transformation, reshaping its role across the economy, technology, and development, while opening new avenues for international cooperation and innovation. Qatar places great importance on strengthening partnerships and promoting the exchange of knowledge and expertise in advanced technologies, while harnessing the potential of space applications to support sustainable development and enhance the country’s readiness for the future.”
The International Space Summit served as a high-level platform for dialogue on the future of the space sector, against the backdrop of major technological breakthroughs and changes to its economic model over the past two decades. Discussions also reflected the growing number of public and private actors in the sector and the expanding role of space technologies and applications across different areas of economic and social activity.
Qatar’s participation in the Summit reflects its commitment to keeping pace with developments in the space sector and strengthening international cooperation in advanced scientific and technological fields, particularly as space technologies and applications become increasingly integrated into digital infrastructure and contribute to economic growth, innovation, and sustainable development.
