A delegation from the UAE Space Agency is taking part this week in the Satellite 2017 conference and exhibition, which runs March 6 to 9 in the US capital, Washington DC. The annual event gathers leading experts from the field to provide updates on the latest trends and technologies.
One of the most specialized conferences and exhibitions in the satellite and communications fields, it sees some 15,000 professionals attend on an annual basis. This includes government officials, business leaders, policy-makers, researchers and prominent speakers, as well as attracting a range of stakeholders from the sector.
Chairman of the UAE Space Agency, H.E. Dr. Khalifa Al Romaithi, said: “The UAE has been making big strides in the satellite communications field, and is currently operating a number of satellites for commercial and educational purposes. The latest of these is Nayef-1, which recently became the first Emirati nanosat to be launched into outer space. In addition, we have projects underway to develop a range of satellites that will be launched over the coming years.”
Dr. Al Romaithi also noted that the exhibition and conference is an excellent platform to shed light on the national successes and expertise in the field. He also highlighted the opportunity to identify some of the latest technological developments from global satellite and communications organizations taking part, with a view to bolstering the national space sector and supporting the development of current and future projects with such innovations.
For his part, H.E. Dr. Mohammed Al Ahbabi, Director General of the UAE Space Agency, said: “Our participation in Satellite 2017 is part of the Agency’s ongoing efforts to strengthen national strategic partnerships and enhance our standing with regards to the global space sector and our counterparts. This contributes to realizing the goals laid out in the national space sector strategy, including building and strengthening international relationships and partnerships in the field of space that will further advance the development of the UAE’s space sector.”
On the sidelines of the event, the Space Agency is also to take part in the annual reception hosted by the UAE embassy in Washington, which will welcome representatives from a number of government bodies and companies based in both the UAE and USA.