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Abu Dhabi /Â WAM
The UAE Space Agency announced on Wednesday the details of the National Space Sector Policy endorsed recently by the Cabinet chaired by Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
The policy aims to build a strong and sustainable space sector in the UAE that supports and protects national interests and related vital industries. It also ensures the sector’s contribution to economic growth and diversification, honing the skills of Emiratis and developing their scientific and high-tech capabilities. The policy encourages culture of innovation and enhances the UAE’s status on regional and global levels.
The preamble of the policy referred to the historical link of the UAE with space, given the mastery of its people for astronomy and navigation. They had developed the native astronomic knowledge to use it in their navigation on sea or movements on land. It also referred to the insight of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who had encouraged Emiratis to preserve and sustain the knowledge of their ancestors in astronomy and navigation.
The late Sheikh Zayed had met the NASA delegation and the Apollo mission in 1970s. Since those meetings the UAE has established economic rules, infrastructure, Emirati competencies and other capacities, that have made the UAE occupy a leading regional position in the field of space activities, and also made it capable of contributing to space exploration.
The policy outlined factors that need to be implemented in order to ensure the policy’s success that could lead to an effective national space sector.
It calls for strengthening co-operation between the government and the private sector on a local level, and establishing mutually beneficial international partnerships that adhere to international laws and treaties.
Other goals of the policy include conducting space missions that will increase scientific knowledge, developing technologies and national capabilities and driving innovation. The policy aims to promote a stable and sustainable space environment that supports commercial and government space activities. It also includes follow-up measures to ensure its successful implementation.
Dr. Khalifa Al Rumaithi, Chairman of the UAE Space Agency, said that the national space sector policy stems from the leadership’s vision to become a leading nation in space sciences and to reach Mars on the nation’s 50th anniversary.
“The global space sector is experiencing significant growth and change, along with an increase in space applications and technology development. There has also been an increase in the number of states seeking to capitalise on outer space opportunities,” said Al Rumaithi.
Dr. Mohammad Al Ahbabi, Director-General of the UAE Space Agency, said that through legislation the space agency will also contribute to enhancing the role of the sector in supporting initiatives and programmes related to security, politics, economics and social activities.
Yousuf Hamad Al Shaibani, Director-General of the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Agency, said that the national space policy specifies the basis and future of the space technology sector in a manner that matches visions, plans and state strategies.