The Director General of the Emirates Space Agency Dr. Eng. Mohammed Nasser Al Ahbabi, said that the new UAE space law is in the final phase of the project, which was adopted by the Council of Ministers and the Federal National Council and the competent authorities in the State.
He said in an interview with Emirates News Agency (WAM) on the occasion of the fifth anniversary of the establishment of the Emirates Space Agency, that the new UAE space law is one of the best laws and the latest, as it provides an attractive legislative environment through the organization of future space activities in terms of licenses and attracting investments, Regulations that make the practice of space activity in the UAE a smooth and simplified process.
He added that the UAE's new space law contributes to the promotion of space investment such as the organization of manned space flights, including space tourism, supporting the principles of organizing space movement, as well as the activities of exploration and utilization of space resources, in addition to granting licenses for investment, pointing to the presence of more than 50 companies and institutions And a space facility within the state, some of which have artificial satellites, some of which provide services, consulting and financing.
Al-Ahbabi explained that the Emirates Space Agency is building its future plans in accordance with the best international standards and standards. The Agency has worked on a 10-year national strategy for the space sector, which has been approved by the Council of Ministers. It is consistent with measurable programs, initiatives and targets. Which achieves the vision of the UAE and consists of six goals and 20 programs and 80 initiatives that contribute to the realization of the ambitions of the space state over the next ten years.
Al-Ahbabi said that the UAE has 10 satellites in orbit as well as eight satellites in the manufacturing and processing phase of the launch. He pointed out that the state is scheduled to launch the "probe of hope" next year, in addition to the two satellites «Mizn Sat» and «DMSAT» Scientific space observation, explaining that the rate of launch of UAE satellites ranges from two to three satellites a year over the next five years.
"The UAE space program is very dynamic in terms of projects, ambition, innovation, diversity and the universality of space hubs," said Al Ahbabi. "We have the Astronaut Program, the Space Education and Space Exploration Program, In addition to Earth observation programs, so that we have a new concept about exploring the possibility of life on other planets, and the UAE has become part of this global movement.
On the achievements of the Emirates Space Agency in five years, Al Ahbabi said that the Agency has succeeded in building a qualified Emirati team called "Dreams of Space", where we have attracted qualified cadres and ambitious in the country to work in this important sector, and today is a cohesive team entrusted with the programs and aspirations of the State in the field of Space with its expertise and ambitions in this field.
He pointed out that the building of national cadres in this vital sector is one of the most important achievements. He pointed out that the work within the Agency is an institutional work that follows modern strategies and systems. Its strategies include managing space projects or representing the Agency in international forums. This connection.
Al-Ahbabi explained that the UAE is a member of an international scientific organization that is looking at the future of humanity and 14 other countries. It has become an active participant in the global trends in space exploration, adding that Emirates Space Agency has become the catalyst for the achievements in the space sector.
He pointed out that the satellite industry is witnessing a great development, especially those aimed at monitoring the Earth, where the satellite Khalifa Sat in the UAE with 100% UAE, which represents a quantum leap in science and engineering space technology.
With regard to the new projects of the Arab Group for Space Cooperation, which is chaired by the UAE, Al Ahbabi said that the UAE has worked on this initiative since 2017, succeeded in bringing 11 Arab countries to the initiative, and is now working on the institutional construction of the group, in addition to the start of equipment to build the Arab satellite Which will be funded and developed by the UAE, which will participate in its design and create a constellation of Arab engineers and scientists.
Al-Ahbabi revealed that the number of employees in the UAE space sector reaches nearly 1500, including more than 50% of UAE nationals. The study of space science and technology is very popular among UAE students, Saying, "We are working with the Ministry of Education and a number of universities in the country to include curriculum subjects on space science." Al-Ahbabi added that the Emirates Space Agency has an educational program to encourage UAE students to join universities outside the UAE to study the required scientific disciplines in the UAE space sector as well as the program of sponsoring students within the country by attracting the best graduates and encouraging them to study space science and provide training within the Agency and institutions operating in the sector. .
Explore Mars
Regarding the preparations of the scientific team of the Mars Exploration Project, the Director General of the Emirates Space Agency, Dr. Eng. Mohammed Nasser Al Ahbabi, said: "The preparations are proceeding according to the timetable specified in two axes: the first is the technical axis of the spacecraft and its launch, control and control. The agency is working in cooperation with the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Center and the Emirates and Khalifa Universities to establish the data processing platforms of the hope probe, which will need to be analyzed and then shared with the countries of the world. The birth of which, through cooperation with more than 200 universities and the Institute from around the world ».