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Abu Dhabi - A high level delegation led by HE Dr Khalifa Mohammed Al Rumaithi, Chairman of the UAE Space Agency board and the agency's Director General, HE Dr Mohammad Nasser Al Ahbabi visited key stakeholders within the space sector in several European countries. The meetings aimed to strengthen the framework of cooperation and partnership between the UAE Space Agency and important stakeholdersacross Europe.
The Chairman, Director General anddelegation discussed opportunities of cooperation with various institutions working in the sector, in order to exchangeknowledge and experience in space technology and science. This is in line with the UAE government's vision to build a solid scientific base for developing the UAE space industry.
A number of in-depth meetings were held starting with a visit to the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs. The delegation outlined the role of the agency and its future goals and aspirations. They discussed ways for the two parties to cooperate, strengthen bilateral relations, and exchange knowledge in the space sector.
The delegation also met with senior officials from the Italian Space Agency and the Centre National d'EtudesSpatiales (CNES) of France. Officials from both agencies congratulated the UAE for establishing the UAE Space Agency and the announcement of the Mars probe mission. The officials praised the UAE Space Agency's plans as a positive step and displayed a strong desire for further cooperation and joint coordination.
"The gatherings and extended meetings werea success by all measures," said Dr. Rumaithi. "We examined advanced, pioneering projects and briefed the stakeholders on our future plans for establishing strategic partnerships in aerospace affairs. Without a doubt, the results we achieved on this trip will allow all stakeholders the opportunity for feasible joint projects and scientific endeavors."
Dr. Ahbabi added: "We look forward to launching the UAE onto the world stage through the various aerospace committees affiliated with the United Nations. These committees are established as a platform for discussions on the challenges, opportunities and latest developments in the aerospace sector, so by participating we are striving to contribute effectively towards putting the UAE on the aerospace map internationally. We aim to establish strategic partnerships with various agencies that have expressed their interest and desire to open fields of joint cooperation, and thereby contribute to the enrichment of scientific sectors, aerospace technology, and stimulate associated fields of research and study."
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About the UAE Space Agency
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has embarked on an historic initiative via setting up a Space Agency that will join others in promoting space exploration and contributing to the global scientific space community.
The UAE Space Agency has developed a strategic framework to guide the Agency in executing its three mandates dictated by the Decree that was established in July 2014. These areas include developing the space sector, creating space policy and regulation and thirdly directing national space programs that will have direct benefits to the UAE's economy.
The Agency has identified priority initiatives that will be critical to building world-class capabilities, cultivating a diverse and capable workforce, and engaging critical stakeholders in order to promote the UAE's position in the space sector. The organizational structure of the Agency has been designed to effectively support the strategic objectives of the nation.
To achieve its mission, the UAE Space Agency will recruit, hire, and develop professionals over the next three to five years through following and implementing a well-defined, strategic Emiratization plan.
© Press Release 2015
