Dubai recently hosted the Fourth Asgardia Executive Congress at The Duke Hotel on October 30, 2025, marking a significant step for Asgardia, the world’s first digital space nation. The event brought together global dignitaries, Asgardia’s Parliament members, scientists, and media representatives under the theme “Synergy for Humanity’s Cosmic Future.” The congress highlighted Asgardia’s growing partnership with the UAE and the unveiling of a groundbreaking project: the Asgardia Emirates Station (AES), a terrestrial space station analogue.
The AES aims to simulate long-duration habitation for international crews under conditions resembling those found on Earth, the Moon, or in space. This next-generation facility will serve as a UAE-based hub for space exploration research, education, and public outreach. Additionally, it will focus on technology transfer in industries like healthcare. Designed with modular adaptability and AI-assisted systems, the AES aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which seeks to double the emirate’s economy in the next decade.
Dr Igor Ashurbeyli, head of the Nation of Asgardia, led the press conference, emphasising Dubai’s central role in driving technological progress. “Asgardia is dedicated to preserving human civilisation wherever it may venture,” said Dr Ashurbeyli, outlining Asgardia’s core mission. Founded in 2016, Asgardia has united over a million citizens from nearly 200 countries, operating as a unique digital democracy with its own legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
The congress also featured the launch of Asgardia’s digital ecosystem, a super-app designed to integrate communication, financial, and governance tools. Available on both Google Play and Apple’s App Store, this platform connects Asgardia’s global population and enhances its position as a fully integrated digital space nation.
Asgardia’s Declaration of Sovereignty, which was adopted in August 2024, marks the nation’s formal claim for statehood under international law. Dr Ashurbeyli confirmed during the congress that Asgardia would formally seek recognition from the United Nations. Another landmark decision was the declaration of Asgardia’s claim to Marie Byrd Land in Antarctica, an unclaimed region under the Antarctic Treaty System. This represents the nation’s first step toward establishing a peaceful presence on Earth’s last uncharted frontier.
The congress also underscored the UAE’s pivotal role as a global hub for innovation, trade, and space exploration, aligning with its Space Strategy 2030 and Economic Agenda D33. Asgardia’s ambition extends beyond Earth, with the pioneering goal of enabling the birth of the first human child in space. Its inclusive governance model continues to inspire a vision where humanity transcends borders to live and thrive beyond our planet.
The UAE’s strategic position as a centre for technological innovation was further reinforced through the congress, which solidified Dubai’s place as a key player in the future of space exploration. This growing relationship with Asgardia reflects a shared vision of advancing human progress through space, ensuring that humanity’s presence is secured in the cosmos for generations to come.
As Asgardia continues its journey, it remains focused on its goal of ensuring humanity’s eternal presence in space, with ambitious plans for both terrestrial and cosmic expansion. The AES and other initiatives embody the future of space exploration and human cooperation, marking the beginning of a new chapter for this unique digital space nation.
For more on innovation in the UAE, read about Dubai Holding and Palantir’s partnership to scale AI.
