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UAE Space Agency marks 3rd anniversary

ABU DHABI, July 16, 2017

The UAE Space Agency celebrated on Sunday its third anniversary in an official ceremony in Abu Dhabi, shedding light on the Agency’s most important accomplishments since 2014.

The ceremony was held under the patronage of Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of State for Higher Education and chairman of the UAE Space Agency and Dr Mohammed Al Ahbabi, director general of the UAE Space Agency.

Dr Al Falasi acknowledged that the UAE Space Agency has become the largest agency in the region to oversee a modern space program. This has been made possible thanks to the relentless efforts of Emiratis seeking to further establish the UAE within the global space sector, among peers with advanced space programs that are overcoming the challenges of exploring and utilizing space.

He further indicated that, since its inception, the Space Agency has been able to realize numerous significant achievements and successes through a clear framework and approach inspired by directives from a visionary leadership. As such, the Agency now holds a notable position among international space agencies, and enjoys the respect of regional and international space organizations.

He explained that the Agency has become a model and a standard for countries seeking to launch ambitious space programs and agencies. He noted that the Agency is leading implementation of government strategies to develop an integrated system for this vital industry, which will in turn contribute to other key sectors of the national economy.

He also underlined that the UAE Space Agency today stands at the start of a new chapter that will bring innovative initiatives to the National Space Program that contribute towards its ambitious goals. These efforts require all employees of the Space Agency in particular, and national space sector and industry more broadly, to work together towards these mutual objectives. He explained that they also require enhancing current and future industry capabilities, including fostering space research and development centers and further developing advanced capacity building programs.

Commemorative stamp

During the ceremony, a special commemorative stamp was launched in collaboration with Empost to recognize the establishment of the Agency and its achievements over the past three years. Available for Dh3 ($0.81), the stamp has a space background, also picturing Mars and the Hope Probe, which will launch in 2020.

Dr Al Ahbabi said the stamp sought to highlight the Agency’s most significant successes since its establishment, as well as the institutional excellence it has demonstrated over the past three years. He added that this was a source of pride for employees and engineers at the Agency, as it immortalizes the many achievements to which they have all contributed.

He explained that the stamp highlights the UAE’s ambitions towards Mars by detailing the Hope Probe, which has spearheaded national space exploration programs. The Hope Probe will study the Martian atmosphere and factors contributing to dramatic climate change, while the Mars 2117 project will see Emirati settlement of Mars within 100 years.

New website

The ceremony also saw the launch of the UAE Space Agency’s new website, with a modern, interactive and user-friendly design that reflects its brand and highlights its various missions and departments.

The site, available in both Arabic and English, was designed according to the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority standards. It serves as a window for the public to familiarize themselves with the Agency’s programs and projects, including space exploration projects, astronomical observation events, satellite programs, licensing of space activities and recording of space objects.

The site provides visitors with information about the Agency’s efforts in science, technology, research and development, as well as delivering comprehensive details about national policies and strategies relevant to the industry, and forthcoming national space law, legislations and regulations.

The new website showcases educational initiatives and current competitions, as well as highlighting the services offered by the Agency. Visitors may request school visits, apply for scholarships and internships, find details about grants and funding, and browse job opportunities.

In line with the Agency’s strategic goals, and meeting the highest standards of efficiency and transparency, visitors can use the site to speak directly with higher management, voice opinion through some of the Agency’s regular polls, and connect with the Space Agency through social media accounts.

The site includes a comprehensive media center, complete with a gallery of photos, videos and presentations. A full calendar of activities and open data is also available. Furthermore, media outlets are able to communicate with the Agency media team, download a media portfolio, and review the latest news and opinion pieces posted by the Agency’s higher management and engineers.

National and global achievements

The ceremony showcased the UAE Space Agency’s achievements across several fields, including the establishment of a strong foundation for the national space program, positioning the sector internationally and acquiring global recognition, as well as global contributions to astronomy.

Also highlighted was the development of a specialized workforce capable of leading the industry, organizing high-level events in the UAE and representing the local space sector abroad. – TradeArabia News Service




Tags: Website | Anniversary | UAE Space Agency |

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