Moon Village Association partners with Abu Dhabi for 2025 events
A boost for UAE’s space ambitions
The Moon Village Association (MVA), an international non-governmental organisation dedicated to fostering collaboration in the development of the lunar economy, has signed an agreement to establish the Moon Village Centre in Abu Dhabi emirate in the UAE, solidifying the emirate as a new hub for space innovation.
Abu Dhabi will host the primary event for International Moon Day in July 2025 and the MVA’s 9th Annual Workshop and Symposium in November 2025.
This partnership underscores the UAE’s expanding influence in the global space sector, driven by its commitment to advancing technological innovation and international cooperation.
International Moon Day, observed annually on July 20, marks humanity’s first lunar landing in 1969. Proposed by the MVA and designated by the United Nations, the day celebrates the achievements of all nations in lunar exploration. It aims to raise public awareness about sustainable Moon exploration and utilisation.
Plans for the 2025 celebrations feature a two-part programme: a primary event in Abu Dhabi and smaller satellite events across six continents. The UAE’s role as the host reflects its dedication to fostering global engagement in space exploration.
The MVA’s annual Workshop and Symposium are significant events in the global space calendar. These gatherings bring together space agencies, government representatives, policymakers, industry experts, and researchers to discuss advancements, share ideas, and address challenges in lunar exploration.
Dr Giuseppe Reibaldi, President of the MVA, emphasised the UAE’s pivotal role in shaping lunar activities: “With its rapidly developing space programme, the UAE has a huge role in the evolution of humanity’s activity on the Moon. We were hugely impressed by the quality of the UAE’s submission and cannot wait to share more details of our plans for 2025.”
Dr Nasr Al-Sahhaf, Chair of the United Nations International Moon Day, highlighted the event’s universal appeal: “The Moon is owned by no one and yet inspires everyone, which is why I am thrilled at the scale of Abu Dhabi’s plans to work with us in 2025. Having previously hosted our main event in the USA, South Korea, China, and Germany, the UAE will be a key strategic partner in helping us to engage citizens from across the globe.”
Dr Salem bin Abdullah Alwahshi, CEO of the Emirates Council for Work Relations Development, praised the synergy between the MVA’s goals and the UAE’s founding principles: “We are honoured to have been selected to host the MVA’s flagship 2025 events. There are many parallels between the goals of the Moon Village and those of the UAE’s founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Both have stood the test of time in creating new opportunities, advancing civilisation, and improving quality of life for all.”
Image: The Moon Village Association will celebrate International Moon Day 2025 in Abu Dhabi. Credit: MVA
Last Updated on 8 hours by Arnold Pinto
