UAE Space Agency marks second anniversary

(Abu Dhabi) – The UAE Space Agency is celebrating its second anniversary, reflecting on its remarkable achievement since its establishment, said a top official.
These successes include developing and integrating the UAE national space sector, launching the agency’s strategy and signing several important MoUs with prominent global space industry players, remarked its chairman Dr. Khalifa Al Romaithi.
“With our solid foundation, we reaffirm our absolute commitment to the nation, and to raising the UAE’s profile within the global space sector. We are determined to fulfill the leadership’s decision to become a leading nation in space sciences, and to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the UAE by reaching Mars,” stated Al Romaithi.
“Since our foundation, we have worked to realise the vision of our national leadership for this sector, which took form in 1973 when Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan met with a Nasa delegation. The governmental vision, care and support offered to the Space Agency serves as motivation for all those leading our various projects to continue to work towards the established goals,” he added.
Established under federal law, it has a mandate to organise, regulate and support the national space sector. It also encourages the development and use of space science and technology in the country, and advises the sector in this regard.
During this relatively short period, the agency has gone to great lengths to develop the national space sector in the UAE. These efforts have included formulating the UAE national space policy, which is currently being reviewed by relevant parties, and finalising the space strategy.
Also, the space agency has successfully established relationships with several global space industry organizations and agencies that have a common vision for space exploration. This includes signing MoU’s with Nasa and the national space agencies of France, Russia, Japan, China, and the United Kingdom, among other.
The space agency was also successful in gaining membership to the International Space Exploration Coordination Group, thus making the UAE the first Arab country to join the prestigious global organization.
(Courtesy WAM)