The UAE Space Agency has signed a deal with the Uniked Kingdom Space Agency, aimed to facilitate collaboration between the agencies in the short and long term.

 

The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed in London during a visit this week by a high-level delegation, including Dr Khalifa Al Romaithi, chairman of the UAE Space Agency and Dr Mohammed Nasser Al Ahbabi, Director General of the UAE Space Agency, who met with senior officials fromthe UK Space Agency.

 

It covers collaboration in various aspects of space exploration, including space science, technology, applications, policy, law, regulation and human capital development in the space field and related areas. 

 

In addition to this, the MoU encourages the establishment of joint working groups to examine and define proposals for joint programs in the areas decided upon by the two agencies, which supports the space programs in both countries.

 

The MoU also covers the promotion of educational activities in space science and technology as well as the promotion of the use of products and services developed under the two agencies programs.

 

"The UAE enjoys a strong relationship with the United Kingdom in various fields, including education, business, science and culture. We are looking forward to further augmenting this relationship via the new MoU, which is in line with our strategic plans to expand collaboration with the UK," said Dr Al Romaithi.

 

"We discussed with our English counterparts opportunities to develop aspects of collaboration in areas of common interest and future prospects. We look forward to exchanging expertise, participating in joint studies as well as holding joint conferences and symposia. All of these undertakings will benefit the space agencies of both nations and strengthen the ties between our people,” he said.

 

Philip Parham, British Ambassador to the UAE, said: “With the signing of this MoU, the broad and deep UK and UAE strategic partnership has now reached space. This will open the way for extensive co-operation and partnership in space research, scientific missions and popular outreach. 

 

"The UK is one of the world leaders in space exploration and technology: UK technology was key to the world’s first collaborative satellite and the most distant probe landing ever achieved – Ariel 1 and Huygens respectively. I’m excited to imagine the potential, the uncharted frontiers and the many benefits which the UAE and UK can realise together in this field.”  - TradeArabia News Service