UAE harnesses space technologies to support global disaster response

As natural disasters continue to affect communities around the world, the recent earthquakes in Egypt, measuring 5.6 on the Richter scale, and in Colombia, measuring 7.4 on Aug.10, 2026, have once again underscored the need for technologies that can provide accurate and timely information.

Such information enables emergency teams and decision-makers to assess damage and direct response efforts efficiently. Thus, space science and technology are emerging as effective tools for supporting humanitarian efforts and enhancing the speed of response to crises and disasters.

The growing value of space science and technology, alongside the International Charter: Space and Major Disasters, is becoming increasingly evident as two effective pillars for supporting people on Earth. By leveraging satellite imagery, geospatial data, data analytics, and artificial intelligence, these capabilities contribute to assessing damage, monitoring affected areas, and providing accurate and timely information to support relief operations and humanitarian response.

Consequently, the UAE has strengthened its position as an active international partner in harnessing space technologies to serve humanity.

Since joining the International Charter: Space and Major Disasters, the UAE has further cemented this role by assuming the Charter’s leadership, represented by the UAE Space Agency, from April to October 2026.

During this period, it led an international system that harnessed satellite imagery and geospatial data to support countries affected by natural disasters. These efforts contributed to enhancing response times, improving the accuracy of decision-making, and protecting lives and property.

The International Charter: Space and Major Disasters is one of the world's leading initiatives dedicated to applying space technologies in disaster management. With 17 member organisations, the Charter provides satellite imagery and data free of charge and in a timely manner to authorised agencies worldwide, supporting damage assessment, identification of affected areas, and the coordination of relief and humanitarian response operations.

During the UAE's presidency, the UAE Space Agency led the Charter's activities in coordination with the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA), the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), and Space42. This integrated national model combined advanced space capabilities with national expertise in emergency management and geospatial data analysis, enhancing the efficiency of international disaster response efforts.

The UAE's presidency extended beyond chairing meetings and strengthening international cooperation mechanisms. It was reflected in a series of Charter activations that supported several countries in responding to a wide range of natural disasters, including floods, earthquakes, wildfires, volcanic eruptions, and cyclones, highlighting the growing role of space technologies in humanitarian operations.

Kazakhstan: Dual support for floods and wildfires

In early July 2026, the International Charter activated its emergency response following flooding and riverbank erosion caused by heavy rainfall in Kazakhstan's Almaty Region. In cooperation with the MBRSC, satellite imagery was provided to assess affected areas. This allowed them to monitor flood impacts, and supply competent authorities with near real-time information that supported informed decision-making and strengthened response efforts while helping protect communities and infrastructure.

Earlier, on 9 June 2026, Kazakhstan benefited from another Charter activation after wildfires broke out in the Akmola Region. Space42 collaborated with the Charter to rapidly provide satellite imagery and geospatial data to assess affected areas, monitor the spread of the fires, and equip emergency authorities with accurate information that enhanced the efficiency and speed of response operations.

Venezuela: Space data supporting humanitarian response

Following the two earthquakes that struck north-central Venezuela on 24 June 2026, the Charter activated its emergency response mechanism efforts. As part of this effort, Space42, in collaboration with the UAE Space Agency, provided high-resolution satellite imagery of the affected areas.

Meanwhile, the Technology Innovation Institute (TII) and TACTICA, also in collaboration with the UAE Space Agency, conducted a preliminary assessment to identify potential damage in the impacted regions.

This collaboration underscores the importance of leveraging space technologies and artificial intelligence to deliver timely and effective information in support of disaster response efforts and to enhance decision-making.

Kyrgyzstan: Strengthening flash alood and mudflow management

In Central Asia, the Charter activated its response following the mudflows and flash floods that swept through several areas of Kyrgyzstan on 25 May 2026. Working with the MBRSC, satellite imagery and geospatial data assessed affected areas, supported damage assessments, and provided emergency teams with reliable information that facilitated crisis management and accelerated response efforts.

The Philippines: Monitoring volcanic activity and assessing risks

The Charter's efforts also extended to the Philippines following the eruption of Mayon Volcano. In cooperation with the MBRSC, satellite imagery was used to monitor volcanic activity, assess affected areas, and support relevant authorities in evaluating the impacts of volcanic ashfall and the associated risks to nearby communities. This enhanced emergency preparedness and contributed to protecting lives and property.

New Zealand: Supporting flood recovery efforts

In response to the severe flooding that affected New Zealand in April 2026, the Charter, in collaboration with the MBRSC, employed satellite imagery and geospatial data to assess affected areas, monitor the extent of flooding and landslides, and provide critical information that supported authorities in managing the crisis. These efforts contributed to more effective response and recovery operations, while mitigating the impacts of extreme weather events.

Papua New Guinea: Responding to the impacts of Cyclone Mayla

As part of its support for international disaster response efforts, the Charter activated its mechanisms following the impacts of Cyclone Mayla in Papua New Guinea. Charter members collaborated in utilising satellite imagery to identify areas at risk of flooding and support emergency response operations, providing timely and accurate information that assisted affected communities and strengthened recovery efforts.

A global model for space-based cooperation

Collectively, these operations demonstrate how space technologies have become an essential component of modern disaster management systems. Satellite imagery is no longer limited to observing natural phenomena; it has evolved into a strategic tool for damage assessment, risk analysis, disaster monitoring, and the provision of real-time information that supports decision-makers and emergency response teams. This significantly enhances the effectiveness of humanitarian response while strengthening countries' preparedness to confront crises.

These efforts also reflect the UAE’s advanced position in the space sector and its growing role in leading international initiatives that harness space technologies for the benefit of humanity and strengthen global cooperation in responding to natural disasters.

Since its establishment, the International Charter: Space and Major Disasters has carried out more than 1,168 Charter activations, benefiting 146 countries through a network of more than 270 satellites provided by its members and partners. It stands as a global model of international cooperation in leveraging space science and technology to support humanitarian action and disaster response.