Breaking news

European Commission Prepares Bill For A Single Space Market

The European Commission (EC) is set to propose a bill aimed at creating a single space market, according to European Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius. This proposed market will pave the way for economic activities in low Earth orbit (LEO), including advancements in tourism, artificial intelligence, energy, and mineral extraction. Kubilius forecasts that these economic activities will triple in the next decade.

The EU is currently a global leader in providing orbital coverage for navigation and surveillance, but Kubilius stressed the need for additional investment to retain this advantage. He emphasized that the EU should not rely on foreign countries for its space projects. “We must be independent in space; this is extremely important for our strategic independence. We must not depend on the missiles of foreign countries, we must have launch sites from our land, we need to increase our space defense capabilities,” Kubilius urged.

Kubilius also raised concerns about Russia’s potential ability to confront NATO countries soon, highlighting the critical role space will play in defense, particularly in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine. He pointed out that the EU is working on a secure satellite system to exchange government information and protect this network.

As the EU continues to enhance its space program, Kubilius called for more funding to sustain its leadership in space exploration, including attracting private investments. He noted that European space projects have already improved the lives of billions globally, but bold steps are required to secure the future of the continent’s space capabilities.

Forbes Middle East Unveils 100 Most Powerful Businesswomen Of 2025

Forbes Middle East has unveiled its much-anticipated 2025 ranking of the region’s top businesswomen, spotlighting influential leaders reshaping industries and driving meaningful transformation. The list was based on business size, individual accomplishments, leadership impact, and corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Top Spot For Hana Al Rostamani

For the third consecutive year, Hana Al Rostamani, Group CEO of First Abu Dhabi Bank (UAE’s largest bank by assets), claims the top position. In addition to retaining her position in the Forbes Middle East ranking, she was also featured on Forbes’ 2024 list of the World’s Most Powerful Women, securing the 60th position globally. Under her leadership, the bank achieved an impressive $3.5 billion in net profits and $334.8 billion in assets in the first nine months of 2024.

Rising Stars In The Top 10

Shaikha Khaled Al Bahar of NBK Group and Shaista Asif, cofounder and Group CEO of PureHealth Holding, take the second and third spots respectively, completing the top three.

The top 10 remains largely unchanged from last year, with Tayba Al Hashemi of ADNOC Offshore, Alisha Moopen of Aster DM Healthcare GCC, and Suzanne Al Anani of Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP) making their debut in the top 10. In total, 27 new leaders have joined the list this year.

A Diverse And Powerful Group Of Women

This year’s list features 100 women from 32 sectors and 29 nationalities, underlining the diversity of talent driving the region’s progress. The banking and financial services sector leads with 25 entries, followed by healthcare and technology with nine each, and venture capital with five. Remarkably, 40% of the top 10 women are from the banking and financial services sector. Notably, Shaista Asif (PureHealth Holding) and Alisha Moopen (Aster DM Healthcare GCC) are the only non-Arab women in the top 10.

UAE Leads With 46 Leaders

The UAE continues to dominate, with 46 of the women on the list hailing from the country, solidifying its status as a global business hub. Egypt follows with 18 influential women, and Saudi Arabia claims nine entries. Egyptians lead in representation, followed by Emiratis and Lebanese women.

Empowering Women Through Initiatives

Several of the leaders have focused on upskilling and creating opportunities for women. Susana Rodriguez Puerta launched the ‘sAIdaty’ initiative in collaboration with the Dubai Business Women Council, aimed at providing 500 female council members in the UAE with AI skills. Similarly, Lamia Tazi of SOTHEMA collaborated with the Foundation for Research, Development, and Innovation in Science and Engineering to provide scholarships to PhD students from low-income backgrounds.

Click here for the full list.

Uri Levine Course

Become a Speaker

Become a Speaker

Become a Partner

Subscribe for our weekly newsletter