The UAE Space Agency is looking for opportunities of cooperation with the Bahraini National Space Science Agency to strengthen partnership and work between the two organizations within the space sector. This strategy falls in line with the Agency's efforts to build strategic partnerships and achieve goals of regional and international cooperation.
This comes off the back of an official Bahraini delegation visit to the UAE Space Agency headquarters in Abu Dhabi. The delegation was led by Dr. Mohammed Al Amer Chairman of the National Space Science Agency of the Kingdom of Bahrain and was welcomed by His Excellency Dr. Khalifa Al Rumaithi, Chairman of the UAE Space Agency and HE Dr. Eng. Mohammed Nasser Al Ahbabi, Director General of the Agency and a number of senior officials from the nation’s space sector.
The two sides discussed opportunities for cooperation between the various institutions operating in the space sector and how to make the most of their expertise in the fields of technology and space science. Both organizations are focusing on developing the space industry including implementing programs and scientific missions aimed at training specialized space science national cadres.
The UAE Space Agency provided a detailed presentation on the space sector strategy in the UAE, focusing on its objectives, initiatives and programs. The Agency also outlined its strategic priorities that determine the features of the next phase of development, as well as its plans for educational programs, which will be launched in cooperation with a number of universities and specialized institutions.
The Bahraini delegation congratulated the UAE on its inception of the Space Agency and on its missions to Mars. The delegation praised these developments as proactive steps for the Arab and Islamic world, displaying desire to expand the horizons of joint cooperation and coordination for future space projects.
The Bahraini delegation was met by HE Jassem Al Zaabi, Chairman of Yahsat and Masood Sharif Mahmoud, CEO of Yahsat. The delegation included Dr. Mohammed Asiri Chief Executive Officer of the Bahraini National Space Science Agency and Raed Honorary Vice President Investments Department for Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company.
The UAE Space Agency commended Bahrain for its efforts in space and its quest towards scientific development by contributing to the global space sector. The Agency noted the close relationship between the UAE and the Kingdom of Bahrain as well as the close economic partnership that creates many opportunities for both countries, especially in the space industry.
The Agency organized a tour for the Bahraini delegation around the headquarters of Yahsat in order to familiarize them with the conduct of work and the operations management in the satellite control room. The Bahraini delegation heard during the tour a presentation about the nature of the services and projects carried out by Yahsat on a global level in the development of communication solutions via satellite to government and business sectors.
Yahsat also displayed during the visit the Space Masters Cube Sat program, which was launched recently in partnership between Yahsat and Orbital ATK and will involve 12 students from the citizens of the UAE.
The Cube Sat program focuses on specializing in technology and space engineering and developing skills associated with designing, building and testing mini satellites. The program lasts for a period of two to three years and is classed as a Master of Space Technology and Systems Engineering and has been designed in collaboration with a number of partners such as Khalifa University, the Higher Colleges of Technology, as well as global partners including Boeing and Airbus.