The New Legal Framework for Space Tourism in the UAE

The commercialization of space tourism has become an essential shift in space exploration, where private entities are creating interest along with government agencies. This transformation urged the development of a legal framework to maintain regulations and facilitate space tourism activities. The present research emphasizes the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as a prominent space tourism hub given its strategic location and increasing government interest in space activities. The study explored space law concerning space tourism from three main perspectives: the distinction between airspace and outer space, regulatory requirements related to space companies and space tourism, and the deployment of space tourism-related contractual agreements to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for space tourists. The research emphasized that the contractual agreements must include risk disclosures, pricing, safety measures, liability, force majeure clauses, and more. The study acknowledges the limitations of available literature on space tourism, especially concerning the UAE. However, it serves as a foundational effort to address the legal details of evolving industry. The research will benefit policymakers in the UAE alongside investors and potential space tourists as it will provide important insights into developing a legal framework that can foster a responsible, safe, and prosperous space tourism industry.