UAE Space Agency Board members review the latest developments and strategic projects in the sector

• Sarah Al Amiri applauds the election of the UAE to chair the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS)
• Board reviews projects of the Space Economy Zones Program, international cooperation, and development of national capabilities

Abu Dhabi, UAE – XX May 2022: The UAE Space Agency (UAESA) Board members chaired by Her Excellency Sarah bint Yousef Al Amiri, UAE Minister of State for Public Education and Advanced Technology and Chairwoman of the UAESA, held its second board meeting of 2022 at its headquarters in Abu Dhabi. During the meeting, the Board discussed the Agency’s plans, achievements, policies, and strategy for developing the national space sector and enhancing its contribution in the present and future.

Her Excellency Sarah Al Amiri also took time to applaud the UAE’s achievement of being elected to chair the United Nations’ Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS), represented by Eng. Omran Sharaf, Project Director of Emirates Mars Mission (Hope Probe).

The Board members discussed the current and future projects of the ‘Space Economic Zones Program’, which is dedicated to supporting startups and SMEs, reviewing the economic incentives and benefits it provides in cooperation with various partners. The meeting also conferred on the latest progress and developments of partnership-led projects, initiatives, and achievements, as well as future prospects for collaboration with relevant sides to encourage innovation and enable growth in space sciences, research, and technology to benefit the UAE and humanity.

Her Excellency Sarah bint Yousef Al Amiri, UAE Minister of State for Public Education and Advanced Technology and Chairwoman of the UAESA, said: “We are honored to have had the opportunity to chair the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. This is a significant feat for the UAE, as it consolidates its leading position and bolsters its efforts toward serving the global space domain. We are proud to have made a stride in advancing strategic dialogues and in devising policies that ensure the safety and security of space in line with sustainable and responsible codes of conduct.”

“The UAESA is maintaining its approach of supporting start-ups to enter the space sector via its targeted programs and initiatives, and it continues to build bridges for productive cooperation and establish international partnerships with parties operating in the space sector, in addition to empowering and supporting national competencies,” Her Excellency added.

Based on the UAESA’s commitment to supporting national talents and trusting the promising young generation’s ability to contribute to the national economy and set the features of an ambitious future, the board meeting discussed the ‘Capacity Building Program’. It discussed its role in transferring knowledge and expertise in the fields of science, research, and technologies in the space sector to local competencies, which would contribute to the development of the UAE and its ambitious vision in scientific research activities.

The UAESA Board members oversee and review the devising of policies and strategies pertaining to the space sector in the UAE, as well as issuing decisions, rules, and regulations for organizing the sector, to achieve a set of goals and ambitions that would ensure the continuous development of the national space sector, supporting the national sustainable economy, and consolidate the UAE’s regional and global role in this field.