The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority represented by the ICT Fund signed an agreement with UAE University, for the establishment of the National Centre for Space Science and Technology.  This coincides with the Innovation Week and is in support of the strategic plans of the State in areas of space science and technology.

A spokesperson for UAE University explained that the Center is the first Center for space research at this level in the Middle East.  It will be an incubator for research, development and innovation in the field of space. It will feature interdisciplinary research areas centered on satellite communications, remote sensing, space science, atmosphere, and space technology with the goal to strengthen the State’s scientific and research capabilities in these areas.

Dr. Khalifa Mohammed Al Rumaithi, Chairman of UAE Space Agency, commented on the establishment of the Centre: "The National Centre for Space Science and Technology falls within the framework of the strategic plan for the space sector in the UAE State. One of its objectives is to promote and support the efforts of scientific research, innovations and projects in space, in support of scientific progress of the State, and put it on the international space map."

Dr. Mohammed Nasser Al-Ahbabi, Director of UAE Space Agency added: “The Centre supports innovation and scientific research in the fields of space science, which will contribute to the development of the national space sector capacity in the State. The area of space exploration is among the seven major national sectors within the National Innovation Strategy, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, with the aim of making the UAE one of the most innovative countries in the world during the next seven years.”

His Excellency Dr. Abdulqader Al-Khayat, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the ICT Fund welcomed the signing of the agreement for establishment of the Centre.  It will have a significant stature within the community of scientific research in the region, and contribute in supporting the place of UAE State as a model in scientific research and in embracing innovation in service to humanity.

His Excellency Engineer Majid Al Mismar, Deputy Director General of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) said, "This agreement comes within the framework of projects and educational initiatives the TRA will organize or support this year.  The aim is the spreading of a culture of innovation among students, which enables them to innovate in the various fields. The National Centre for Space Science and Technology will provide the needed infrastructure to support their research and innovation in specialized areas of space sciences.”

His Excellency Professor Mohamed Albiali, Vice Chancellor of UAE University stressed  the University’s eagerness to include "innovation" in all its projects as the main engine of government development and a key source of economic growth. In addition to its role in promoting the status and reputation of the UAE Government as a global innovation center, he pointed to the importance of such cooperation in building national cadres and development and training of research capacities to achieve leadership and excellence in the field of space engineering and technology.  This will offer innovative solutions in partnership with stakeholders and promote knowledge wealth in the society.  He added that an excellent program would be adopted at the Centre to become one of the main drivers of this field in the future, in line with the National Innovation Strategy.

His Excellency also pointed out that the establishment of the Centre aims to provide as many innovations in science technology that will be transferred to the industry and be beneficial to the state.  This will be in line with the UAE Vision 2021 National Agenda, which calls for the UAE to have a stable and diverse economy, with flexibility in adopting new economic models.  This will also contribute to the achievement of the Mission of the University in developing scientific research and support of innovation and creating a sustainable environment for creativity, to reach scientific integration.