Vienna, Austria – April 14, 2025
The Moon Village Association (MVA), a non-governmental organization that promotes international collaboration for the development of the lunar economy, is delighted to announce it has partnered with the University of Dubai to host this year’s flagship International Moon Day Main Event. The day is celebrated globally each year on 20 July, marking the anniversary of humanity’s first landing on the Moon.
The University of Dubai, renowned for its commitment to innovation and excellence in education, will provide a dynamic and inspiring venue for this year’s celebrations. The event will feature a series of activities, including keynote speeches from leading experts in lunar exploration, interactive workshops, and exhibitions showcasing the latest advancements in space technology.
Dr. Eesa Bastaki, President of the University of Dubai, commented, “We are delighted to have been selected by the Moon Village Association (MVA) to host the flagship event for International Moon Day (IMD 2025). This opportunity highlights our sustained dedication to advancing space R&D and education, particularly following the establishment of the MBRSC Lab at UD in 2018, sponsored by MBRSC, and reinforces our strategic emphasis on cultivating strong academic-industry partnerships.”
“We’re delighted to be bringing our flagship International Moon Day Main Event to the Middle East, having previously hosted it in Europe, North America, and Asia,” said Dr. Giuseppe Reibaldi, President of the Moon Village Association. “The University of Dubai put in a great submission, and I look forward to working with them on what will be a truly informative and engaging event.”
“The moon is owned by no one and yet inspires everyone, which is why I’m thrilled to bring our Main 2025 event to the University of Dubai,” adds Dr. Nasr Al -Sahhaf, Chair of the International Moon Day. “We hope to inspire the next generation as, with its rapidly developing space programme, the UAE will significantly influence humanity’s future activity on the moon.”
In addition to the Main Event, International Moon Day is also expected to be celebrated through smaller events, taking place in more than 40 countries and on six continents. Any interested party can propose their own International Moon Day Global Event here – https://internationalmoonday.org/host-an-imd-global-event/
For the latest announcements, and more information about, the Moon Village Association, please visit https://moonvillageassociation.org/
ENDS
About the Moon Village Association
The Moon Village Association (MVA) is an international non-governmental organization (NGO) based in Vienna, founded in 2017. Its goal is the creation of a permanent global informal forum for stakeholders like governments, industry, academia and the general public interested in the development of the Moon Village. The MVA is the assembling of all efforts from private industry, governments and others aimed to explore and use the Moon in a sustainable manner. The MVA fosters cooperation for existing or planned Moon exploration programs, be they public or private initiatives. It comprises more than 800 participants to MVA activities and 27 institutional members from more than 60 countries, representing a diverse array of technical, scientific, cultural and interdisciplinary fields. The MVA partners with non-space organizations to promote international discussions and formulation of plans to foster the development of the Moon Village, and is creating international, national and regional networks to engage civil society around the world. The Moon Village Association’s mission is unique, bridging together both spacefaring and non-spacefaring nations offering them the opportunity to play a role in its realization. There is no other organization on the international scene having such a mission.
About the University of Dubai The University of Dubai (UD) is a fully owned subsidiary of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI). The DCCI has continuously supported the UD in every stage of its development as well as its international academic accreditation. To support educational development in Dubai consistent with the Dubai Vision 2020, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and the Ruler of Dubai, granted UD in June 2006 a three (3) million square feet plot of land in the Academic City to build its new campus. The Ruler also chose the design for the new campus (through international competition). DCCI granted 200 million dirhams (around US$ 54 million) to construct the new campus. The new campus is about 20 kilometers from the current UD’s location. The operations from the old campus at Maktoum Street and DCCI were shifted to the new campus in Academic City from Dec’2015