The UAE Space Agency yesterday (July 12) celebrated its fourth anniversary with a commemorative ceremony being held in Abu Dhabi.

 

The event highlighted the agency’s successes in developing, coordinating and leading the national space sector since being founded in 2014.

 

Attending the ceremony were Dr Ahmed Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of State for Higher Education and Advanced Skills and chairman of the UAE Space Agency, along with members of the UAE Space Agency Board of Directors and Dr Mohammed Al Ahbabi, director general of the UAE Space Agency. 

 

Also present were a range of UAE government officials and private sector stakeholders, in addition to regional and international partners.

 

Dr Al Falasi said: “Over the past four years, we have strategically shaped our space sector, incorporating the latest technologies and developing forward-thinking legal and regulatory frameworks. We have now placed ourselves at the forefront of the international space sector - working with partners and compatriots around the world to enrich and inspire humanity. We aim to provide the next generation with the skills and resources they need to create a brighter future for all. We are proud of what we have achieved, but refuse to rest on our laurels. With every success comes the next challenge, the next project, initiative or programme.”

 

He added: “The UAE Space Agency regulates, supports, and develops our national space sector, in addition to launching ambitious space programs, projects and initiatives that reflect our government’s vision, strategic objectives and plans. This mandate has directly influenced many other vital sectors in the country, especially the fields of education and scientific research.”

 

Dr Al Ahbabi said: “Since its establishment, the agency’s ambitions have known no limits - mirroring the aspirations of the Emirati youth who seek to master the various domains of space science and technology. Today, we are closer than ever before to achieving one of our most important goals - seeing an Emirati astronaut raise our beloved flag aboard the International Space Station.”

 

He added: “The UAE Space Agency has achieved numerous strategic objectives and grown inconceivably quickly in a short period of time, especially when compared to other space programs. This leap forward has propelled us closer to reaching our goals and fulfilling our purpose as an Agency - we have secured our place within the international space community and inspired people and their governments around the world.”

 

The anniversary event highlighted the agency’s successes over the past four years in promoting the national space sector, forming legislative and legal frameworks, launching space exploration and utilization projects, and developing an integrated educational system. - TradeArabia News Service