The Bahrain Space Agency has participated in a specialized seminar on space law that addressed evolving legal frameworks governing human and commercial activities beyond Earth.
The high‑level event brought together legal experts and policymakers to examine complex issues such as the application of criminal and jurisdictional law in outer space, legal precedents, and the foundational treaties that continue to shape international space governance.
Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Al Aseeri, Chief Executive Officer of the Bahrain Space Agency, attended the seminar with agency legal specialists, highlighting the Kingdom’s commitment to advancing regulatory readiness for its burgeoning national space program.
The discussions focused on maintaining coherent legal approaches as space activities expand to include lunar bases, commercial orbital stations, and prospective human settlements.
A key element of the seminar was a detailed review of the Outer Space Treaty, the multilateral agreement concluded in 1967 that remains the cornerstone of international space law by establishing principles for the peaceful exploration and use of outer space and prohibiting national appropriation of celestial bodies.
Speakers and participants explored the challenges associated with enforcing traditional criminal and civil jurisdiction off‑planet and debated how existing agreements can be adapted to govern future space missions conducted by both state and private actors.
They also examined how legal frameworks need to adapt to increasingly complex space activities, ranging from commercial ventures to collaborative scientific missions, necessitating strong regulations that guarantee safety, accountability, and fair access.
Shaikha Hessa bint Ali Al Khalifa, Senior Legal Researcher at the agency, emphasized that the participation supports national efforts to bolster legal expertise and develop domestic legislation in alignment with international standards.
She noted that engaging in such forums enhances Bahrain’s ability to contribute constructively to global space governance discussions and prepares the Kingdom’s regulatory framework for a safe and sustainable presence beyond Earth.
The agency reiterated that its involvement in international space law discourse contributes to broader national goals of capacity‑building, regulatory readiness, and the responsible utilization of outer space as Bahrain expands its scientific and commercial activities in the sector.
