UAE Space Agency holds 4th meeting of Emirates Space Innovation Group

The UAE Space Agency today held the fourth meeting of the Emirates Space Innovation Group, ESIG, to discuss the means of developing science, technology and innovation in the UAE space sector, and co-ordinating the projects of relevant authorities and bodies.

The meeting is a continuation of their efforts to develop the UAE space sector through scientific research and innovation, and the joint co-operation between the National Centre for Space Science and Technology at the United Arab Emirates University, UAEU, and the UAE Space Agency, which aims to establish the foundations of space-related activities on a national level and increase the involvement of the UAE space sector in the agency’s future projects.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Ghaleb Alhadrami, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Research and Graduate Studies at UAEU, Dr. Eng. Mohammed Nasser Al Ahbabi, Director-General of the UAE Space Agency, and Khaled Al Hashmi, Director of the Space Missions Department at the UAE Space Agency.

The meeting was also attended by several university representatives and satellite operators from the Masdar Institute, the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, the Sharjah Centre for Astronomy and Space Sciences, STRATA Manufacturing, Tawazun Precision Industries, the Thuraya Mobile Satellite Communications Company, the Al Yah Satellite Communications Company, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, and the Environment Agency-Abu Dhabi.

Dr. Alhadrami explained that the meeting reviewed the latest scientific and technological innovation updates, as well as the outcomes of surveys on the capabilities of the national space sector and its efforts to keep pace with international developments.

The ESIG, which includes government institutes, national companies, universities and scientific research establishments, aims to strengthen the UAE’s scientific research capacities, which will allow it to play a major role in the international space industry, in co-operation with UAEU and other universities and the manufacturers and operators of satellites. It also aims to develop national talent in this important and vital sector.