Leaders of the UAE Space Agency showcased the positive impact of partnerships and the strategic importance of developing the UAE space industry at the recent 2nd International Space Exploration Forum (ISEF2), which was held in Tokyo, Japan.

A delegation from the UAE Space Agency was led by Dr Ahmad Bin Abdullah Humaid Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of State for Higher Education and Advanced Skills and chairman of the UAE Space Agency and Dr Eng. Mohammed Nasser Al Ahbabi, director general of the agency and other senior officials and executives from the UAE space sector, said a statement.

Sponsored by Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), the event was a gathering of distinguished governmental ministers and representatives from more than 60 countries, where panellists discussed the significance of international cooperation and collaboration for further advancing space exploration, it said.

Dr Al Falasi participated in a panel discussion focused on the importance and benefits of space exploration. He highlighted the significance of the UAE’s investments in space and the scientific, economic and social benefits such investments provide to humankind.

Dr Al Falasi also spoke of how education and human capital development form a key part of the UAE Space Agency’s mission and objectives, in line with UAE Vision 2021. He stressed the importance of innovation in the development of enhanced educational systems that inspire the next generation to positively contribute to the advancement of humanity and give them the skills necessary to become future leaders.

He added: “Our participation in the forum falls in line with our strategic objectives to support and strengthen the UAE’s space sector. This is also part of our commitment to observing best practices and relevant international developments and integrating them into our own sector with a view to further enhancing our own capabilities.”

“The UAE space sector is an essential part of our country’s ambitious long-term strategic plans to develop a knowledge-based economy,” he said.

Dr Al Falasi continued: “We are dedicated to developing our capabilities and we recognise the importance of building partnerships with leaders in the global space industry to maximise international cooperation in the space sector, resulting in valuable international contributions to the fields of space technology. It is crucial that we develop the necessary skills needed for our engineers and professionals to lead the space industry in the UAE for years to come.”

Along with the ISEF2, the Japanese Cabinet Office, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), MEXT and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) also organised the Industry International Space Exploration Forum (I-ISEF) on the 2nd March 2018, which encouraged discussions on the advancement of space-related business opportunities as well as space exploration.

Dr Al Ahbabi was invited to share his insights on the panel titled ‘Policy Measures for the Expansion of Space Exploration Businesses’ which focused on the expectations, challenges and expansion prospects faced by space-related businesses in different countries.

Al Ahbabi said: “At the forum, I had the opportunity to represent the UAE Space Agency and share our country’s future vision of space exploration. We discussed the viability of space exploration as a business, and its feasibility as it continues to draw interest from commercial and scientific aspects.”

During its final day in Japan, the delegation visited the Chiba Institute of Technology and met with executives who escorted them on a tour of the University complete with state-of-the-art equipment and testing facilities, it stated. – TradeArabia News Service