Space project to drive UAE to another stage of growth: Mohammed

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has stressed that space science and technology are part of the culture and ambitions of the UAE and that new generations should be raised on this passion.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed was speaking during a visit to an exhibition of satellites, including DubaiSat-1 and DubaiSat-2, and space technology and rockets. The show is being held by the Dubai Executive Council and the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC). Workshops for Emirati space engineers were also organised as part of the ‘Space is Our Destination’ exhibition, held as part of the UAE Innovation Week, held between November 22 and 28.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said: "Emirati space engineers are a model for our children and Arab youth. We are proud of them. The UAE space project is not only a technological project but a national project that is aimed at preparing human resources that will be able to keep pace with future developments and drive the UAE to another stage of growth and competitiveness with other countries in all areas of technology."

Sheikh Mohammed toured the space show and viewed miniatures of Emirati satellites and attended discussions at workshops on CubeSat mission, a nanosatellite offering hands-on experience to engineering students in the design, integration, testing, and operation of a communications satellite aimed at helping students join the UAE space industry.

He also visited a mobile space research lab, designed for schools students aged between 5-11 years, and interactive planetarium and observatory which feature highly precise telescopes.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid was accompanied during his tour by senior officials including Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Gargawi, Minister for Cabinet Affairs and Chairman of the National Committee of Science, Technology and Innovation, Khalifa Saeed Sulaiman, Director-General of the Department of Protocol and Hospitality in Dubai, Abdullah Al Shaibani, Secretary-General of Dubai Executive Council and Member of the UAE Innovation Week, Hamad Obaid Al Mansouri, Director-General of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (RTA) and others.