ABU DHABI // About 20 Emirati students will be selected to travel overseas and within the UAE as part of an academic delegation in partnership with the Ministry of Presidential Affairs and the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Fund.
The UAE Space Agency also launched the first academic space programme in partnership between Yahsat, Masdar Institute and ATK Orbital.
The Middle East's first Space Research Centre will be established in Al Ain over the next five years, part of the UAE Space Agency's strategic plan for 2015.
The Dh100 million project will act as an incubator for space research, development and innovation at the federal level. It is the result of a strategic partnership between the agency, UAE University and the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, represented by the ICT Fund.
The agency is also working on setting up a number of bodies and working groups to focus on the peaceful and optimal use of space.
Dr Mohammed Al Ahbabi, director general of the agency, said the UAE had decided to play a pivotal and leading role in local, regional and global development.
“The UAE Space Agency is committed to achieving the vision of the nation and the implementation of it’s ambitious strategy within space,” he said. “The UAE will become a shining star on the global map of the space industry, God willing.”
cmalek@thenational.ae
