Bahrain Emphasizes Importance of Space Law in Regional Governance

Strategic Insights -

The Bahrain Space Agency has been at the forefront of advocating for the development of national regulatory frameworks for space, in line with the Kingdom's efforts to shape Arab space governance. At the launch of the Middle East Space Law and Legislation Committee, Rasha Al Emad, Head of Strategic Planning, delivered a presentation outlining Bahrain's progress in establishing a national regulatory framework for space. This includes ratifying UN treaties, joining international agreements, and drafting national legislation covering licensing, liability, insurance, spectrum use, and orbital debris. The event highlighted the importance of space law in fostering international cooperation and promoting innovation, investment, safety, and cooperation in the region.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Bahrain Space Agency participated as a keynote speaker at the Middle East Space Law and Legislation Committee launch, emphasizing the importance of space law in regional governance.
  • Rasha Al Emad, Head of Strategic Planning, presented Bahrain's efforts in developing a national regulatory framework for space, highlighting the importance of such frameworks in shaping Arab space governance.
  • The Kingdom of Bahrain has ratified UN treaties, joined international agreements such as the Artemis Accords, and is drafting national legislation covering licensing, liability, insurance, spectrum use, and orbital debris.
  • The Arabic Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences (AUASS) was founded in 1998 in Amman, Jordan, and works to advance space and astronomy sciences in the Arab world through workshops, seminars, and collaboration with academic and research institutions.
  • Mohamed Ibrahim Al Aseeri, CEO of the Bahrain Space Agency, emphasized the agency's efforts to raise awareness on space law in the Arab world and foster knowledge exchange in line with its strategic objectives.
  • The evolving global space sector includes a wider range of actors beyond major powers, with legal frameworks playing a crucial role in innovation, investment, safety, and international cooperation.

Statistics:

  • The Bahrain Space Agency currently has a regulatory framework under development for space activities, with a focus on licensing, liability, insurance, spectrum use, and orbital debris.
  • 1998: The Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences (AUASS) was founded in Amman, Jordan.
  • Bahrain has ratified two UN treaties related to space law (exact treaty names not specified).
  • Bahrain has joined one international agreement, the Artemis Accords, aimed at promoting international cooperation in space exploration.
  • The Bahrain Space Agency has been actively involved in space law awareness and knowledge exchange initiatives with institutions in the Arab world.

Sources:

  • Bahrain News Agency, May 20, 2025
  • (No other sources mentioned in the provided text)