Al Marri is the first Emirati to be elected to IAA for his outstanding local contributions to the space sector and for promoting international cooperation in the advancement of the space sector globally

26 September, 2016

Dubai, UAE

Engineer Salem Al Marri, Assistant Director General for Scientific and Technical Affairs at Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre was elected as an IAA corresponding member in a ceremony held on the side-lines of International Astronautical Congress (IAC), Guadalajara, Mexico. Al Marri was elected for his outstanding contributions to the science, technology and space sectors in the UAE and his efforts in promoting international cooperation in the advancement of the space sector worldwide. As a corresponding member, Al Marri will contribute to the international endeavours and the cooperation between all countries and organisations for the advancement of space technology and sciences around the world.

Al Marri expressed his pride and happiness to be the first Emirati elected to such a prestigious organisation as IAA and to represent MBRSC and the UAE space sector, saying: "The space sector in the UAE has reached a good position in the global space community in such a short time. This drives us to play a positive role in global space affairs and participate in the international endeavours of developing peaceful applications of space technology and sciences."

Al Marri currently holds the position of Assistant Director General for Scientific and Technical Affairs at MBRSC, and he was the Project Manager for the satellite projects DubaiSat-1 and DubaiSat-2, the first two UAE satellites launched into space in 2009 and 2013, respectively. He also represents MBRSC in international and local conferences and plays a significant role in areas of cooperation between MBRSC and a number of external bodies involved in the space sector.

The International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) is an independent non-governmental organisation that was founded in 1960 and recognised by the UN in 1966. IAA consists of more than 1,200 members in 75 countries, including some GCC countries and other Arab countries such as: the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia and Syria.

IAA aims to foster the development of astronautics for peaceful purposes; it also recognises individuals who have distinguished themselves in space science or technology. It provides a programme through which members may contribute to international endeavours, and promotes international cooperation in the advancement of space science. The activities of IAA include encouraging international scientific cooperation through forums and seminars in the area of space science, space technology and system development, space systems operations and utilisation, space policy, law and economy, space and society, culture and education, among others.

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About MBRSC:
MBRSC is a Dubai Government entity which aims to promote scientific innovation and technology advancement in Dubai and the UAE. The Centre works on research projects and studies related to space science, in line with the approach of the United Arab Emirates, in its quest to develop the sector and build national academic skills through it.

Among the most prominent tasks entrusted to the Centre are the design, implementation, and supervision of all phases of launching the "Hope Probe" to explore Mars. The Centre is also responsible for all projects related to satellite technology and applications and specialized projects, and advanced technical projects assigned to stakeholders. Also, the Centre provides space imaging and earth station services and support to other satellite services.

In 2009, MBRSC launched "DubaiSat-1" into space, the first remote sensing satellite. In 2013, the second satellite "DubaiSat-2" was launched, while work is underway to launch the third satellite "KhalifaSat", which is being built purely by Emirati engineering and expertise in the UAE.

For more information, please contact:
Grace Haber
Consultant - Corporate Communications
Mob: +971-55 462 3472
E-mail: grace.haber@mbrsc.ae

© Press Release 2016