The UAE Space Agency plans to develop Emirati nationals to help better serve humanity, said a top official, highlighting the importance of the space sector and the role that innovation plays within it.

Sheikha Al Maskari, chief corporate officer at UAE Space Agency, was speaking during a panel discussion on innovation within the government sector, which was part of a summit held recently in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Sheikha described innovation as the transformation of an idea from a theoretical project to a product or service that is useful to society.

She explained that this is what the space sector has presented throughout the past five decades, noting that through innovation, humans have managed to harness space science for peaceful and good uses, and for a the promotion of knowledge, service and the advancement of national economies.

Sheikha added that the space sector is one of the seven most important sectors within the UAE’s national innovation strategy, which will be implemented through a programme spanning seven years and will aim to position the UAE as a leading country within innovation.

Through launching the UAE Space Agency, the UAE has highlighted to the international community that the space sector and innovation represent two key pillars for national economic growth and sustainable development, she explained.

Dr Mohammed Al Ahbabi, director general of the UAE Space Agency said that the Agency has put together an ambitious plan for encouraging innovation within the country. This will be done through a range of programmes and initiatives that will embed the role of the space sector in the country.

He flagged that participating in such events emphasises the commitment of the Agency to innovation and also that the space sector will play an important role in improving quality of life.

One of the aims of the UAE Space Agency, which was outlined in the strategic launch, focuses on encouraging and supporting scientific research within space. The Agency is also aiming to organise and develop the national space sector to international standards so that it will have benefits to the nation by diversifying the economy and helping with sustainable development.

In order to achieve this, the UAE Space Agency will help develop pioneers within the country who will go on to lead space science, technology and exploration.

Sheikha added that there needs to be a large number of Emiratis entering into space sector; therefore the UAE Space Agency has developed a range of plans that will help raise awareness to Emirati and Arab youth so that they can become pioneers of the industry in the future.

The UAE Space Agency has launched learning and training programme aimed at youth and has developed a partnership with Airbus Group for the “Little Engineers” workshops. This has been responsible for encouraging students to learn about space, technology and has also helped improve teamwork, communication skills, analytical thought, creativity and public speaking.

The Agency has also entered into cooperation discussions with universities across the UAE, including Khalifa University, UAE University, Sharjah University, Higher Colleges of Technology, New York Abu Dhabi and others. The aim of which is to improve science curriculums as well as maths, technology, engineering, that will help Emiratis develop and serve humanity in the future.

Sheikha added that the fourth objective will be focused on developing and signing international partnerships within the space sector, in a manner that serves the industry and that provides administrative services with high quality standards and transparency.

She also explained that the space sector has involved innovation and inventions for the past 50 years. UAE Space Agency will work with national organisations to improve knowledge transfer within the UAE. – TradeArabia News Service