Space Economic Forum LLC and Qatar-Based His Excellency Mohamed bin Ahmed Al Obaidly Announce Agreement to Establish SEF Qatar, Positioning Doha as a Global Convening Hub for the Emerging Multitrillion-Dollar Earth–Moon Economy
Florida-based Space Economic Forum LLC (SEF International) and His Excellency Mohamed bin Ahmed Al Obaidly, a Qatar-based industrialist and prominent international businessman, are pleased to announce an agreement to establish Space Economic Forum Qatar, a new venture that will develop an annual international forum in Doha alongside a year-round program of events, strategic working groups, institutional engagement, and commercial partnership development.
The Space Economic Forum is targeted for the beginning of September 2027. Through its annual gathering and continuing year-round platform, SEF will connect leaders and institutions around the standards, markets, infrastructure, capital, and partnerships needed to advance the emerging Earth–Moon economy.
Open full announcement (PDF)38 pages · English · Opens in a new tab- Thematic tracks
- 5
- Integrated program layers
- 5
- Year-round participation groups
- 17
Read announcement highlightsClose announcement highlights
The agreement and founding leadership
Upon official formation of the venture, His Excellency Mohamed bin Ahmed Al Obaidly will serve as Founding Chairman, and SEF International Founder Neal S. Lachman will serve as Founding Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Space Economic Forum LLC, through institutional manager N.S. Lachman & Co. LLC on behalf of SEF International majority owner Titans Space Industries Inc., will lead the organization, international programming, and development of the SEF Qatar platform.
The agreement gives His Excellency exclusive rights, to be exercised through Space Economic Forum Qatar, to establish and develop the SEF platform in Qatar. The Doha forum and its associated year-round program form the foundation, with a framework for additional GCC and worldwide events through separately agreed arrangements.
Why Qatar, why Doha
Qatar’s strengths in energy, aviation, logistics, finance, education, and international engagement provide a foundation for connecting global space expertise with local capabilities and industrial ambition. The platform aims to support industrial diversification, technology partnerships, research networks, supplier development, and pathways into skilled employment.
For international participants, SEF Qatar offers a setting to explore commercial relationships, regional operations, joint ventures, research cooperation, and prospective investment partnerships. Its organizing priorities are standards, markets, infrastructure, capital, and alliances.
One annual forum. A year-round platform.
Five thematic tracks, five integrated program layers, and 17 strategic participation groups connect strategic dialogue with practical collaboration. The program layers span the Strategic Forum; Programs and Participation Activities; Exhibitions and Showcases; the SEF Impact Gala and Ecosystem Houses; and the Year-Round Engagement Platform.
SEF Talks, industry workshops, investor roundtables, research exchanges, educational activities, and focused working sessions will support continuity between annual gatherings. United Space Collective (USC) and Solar System Planetary Standards (SSPS) work, continuing Junior Exploration Zone activities, and milestone reporting will help participants carry proposals and relationships forward.
An invitation to the global space and aerospace industry
The founders invite space and aerospace companies, technology businesses, research institutions, investors, and public authorities to contribute expertise and pursue shared opportunities. Potential areas of cooperation include commercial space stations, spaceports, cislunar transportation, AI, robotics, communications, advanced manufacturing, energy, finance, and insurance.
Five partnership tiers provide defined opportunities to participate in the annual forum and its continuing platform. Participation, access, and leadership appointments remain subject to relevance, program fit, confidentiality requirements, and SEF confirmation, with specific arrangements defined in each partnership agreement.
Building capabilities for future generations
A planned Analog Astronaut Training Camp and Astrobotany and Food Security Research Laboratory near Doha would connect astronaut preparation, engineering, controlled-environment agriculture, and resource-efficient habitats. These initiatives are intended to support research and education relevant to both future space missions and challenges on Earth, including food security and efficient water use.
The wider platform will connect students, universities, researchers, companies, and public institutions through educational programs, exhibitions, research collaboration, and continuing participation. The ambition is to turn shared interests into lasting partnerships and sustained economic and industrial cooperation.
Highlights from the official announcement dated October 8, 2026. The original document includes the full announcement, program details, and leadership profiles. Open the original PDF