The UAE, through its representatives entities, signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the United States Department of Transportation and the Swedish National Space Board (SNSB). The signings took place on the sidelines of the Dubai Airshow, taking place at Al Maktoum International Airport from 12 to 16 November.
The first MoU with the US FAA was signed by H.E. Dr. Mohammed Nasser Al Ahbabi, Director General of the UAE Space Agency, H.E. Saif Mohammed Al-Suwaidi, Director General of the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority, and Dorothy Remold, Director of Strategic Operations at the Office of Commercial Space Transportation, US FAA.
According to the MoU, the signatory entities will collaborate in the development of the UAE’s commercial space transportation safety framework, sharing knowledge and best practices. Additionally, the entities will jointly organize workshops, symposiums, conferences, and working groups to promote industry standards and support the development of the UAE’s national space sector.
The second MoU with the SNSB was signed by H.E. Dr. Mohammed Nasser Al Ahbabi, Director General of the UAE Space Agency and Olle Norberg, Director General of the Swedish National Space Board. Henrik Landerholm, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Sweden to the UAE was also in attendance during the signing ceremony.
The MoU promotes cooperation between both parties in the fields of space science, technology, and applications. It encourages the sharing of ideas on space policy, law, and regulation, as well as the exchange of experts who will participate in jointly organized research and development projects and initiatives. In addition, the MoU endorses the holding of jointly organized workshops, symposiums, conferences, and working groups, including the involvement of UAE universities and educational institutions.
H.E. Dr. Mohammed Nasser Al Ahbabi, Director General of the UAE Space Agency said: “Partnering with the US FAA to develop the UAE’s commercial space transportation safety framework is in line with our efforts to transform the UAE into a future hub of the global space sector. Through the exchange of knowledge and experience, we will enhance our national capabilities and continue to support the growth of the UAE’s space sector.”
“Similarly, our MoU with the Swedish National Space Board expands our network of international partnerships and supports the growth of the UAE’s space infrastructure and human capital development. We firmly believe that collaboration is essential in the realm of space, and we aspire to work together with the international space community to enhance our collective capacities and advance humanity’s legacy.”
The UAE Space Agency has signed more than 20 Memorandums of Understandings to date with distinguished international and regional space agencies and space related organizations. These cover all aspects of the space sector, from the peaceful exploration of outer space to space science, technology and regulation.
The UAE Space Agency is participating in the Dubai Airshow for the second time since its establishment in 2014. Its participation strengthens its efforts to organize, support, and sponsor the UAE national space sector. The Agency also aims to support economic diversification in the UAE and its responsible for issuing legislation and laws related to the national space sector.