UAE Space Agency a model for world’s ambitious space programmes

DUBAI: The UAE Space Agency celebrated on Sunday its third anniversary at an official ceremony in Abu Dhabi, shedding light on the Agency’s most important accomplishments since 2014. The event highlighted initiatives and programmes that have contributed to wide success in its mission to organise and lead space activities in the UAE.

The ceremony was held under the patronage of Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of State for Higher Education and Chairman of the UAE Space Agency, Space Agency board members and Dr Mohammed Al Ahbabi, Director General of the UAE Space Agency. Also present were a number of public sector officials, space sector stakeholders, national space industry companies, and local and international partners.

Dr Ahmad Abdullah Belhoul Al Falasi acknowledged that the UAE Space Agency has become the largest agency in the region to oversee a modern space program. This has been made possible thanks to  the relentless efforts of Emiratis seeking to further establish the UAE within the global space sector, among peers with advanced space programmes that are overcoming the challenges of exploring and utilising space.

Dr Belhoul further indicated that, since its inception, the Space Agency has been able to realise numerous significant achievements and successes through a clear framework and approach inspired by directives from a visionary leadership. As such, the Agency now holds a notable position among international space agencies, and enjoys the respect of regional and international space organisations. 

Dr Belhoul explained that the Agency has become a model and a standard for countries seeking to launch ambitious space programmes and agencies. He noted that the Agency is leading implementation of government  strategies to develop an integrated system for this vital industry, which will in turn contribute to other key sectors of the national economy.

He also underlined that the UAE Space Agency today stands at the start of a new chapter that will bring innovative initiatives to the National Space Programme that contribute towards its ambitious goals. These efforts require all employees of the Space Agency in particular, and national space sector and industry more broadly, to work together towards these mutual objectives. He explained that they also require enhancing current and future industry capabilities,  including fostering space research and development centres and further developing advanced capacity building programmes.

Commemorative Stamp

During the ceremony, a special commemorative stamp was launched in collaboration with Empost to recognise the establishment of the Agency and its achievements over the past three years. Available for three dirhams, the stamp has a space background, also picturing Mars and the Hope Probe, which will launch in 2020. 

Dr Mohammed Al Ahbabi, Director General of the UAE Space Agency, said the stamp sought to highlight the Agency’s most significant successes since its establishment, and the institutional excellence it has demonstrated over the past three years.

Read more: http://www.gulftoday.ae/portal/25555466-2ffd-4b91-94a1-73ab501b5e56.aspx