UAE Space Agency discuss cooperation with Bahrain

The UAE Space Agency has received an official delegation from the Bahraini National Space Science Agency, at its headquarters in Abu Dhabi, who paid a visit to review avenues of cooperation with their UAE counterparts.

The meeting is an effort to strengthen partnership and work between both agencies within the space sector, and is in line with the UAE Space Agency's efforts to build strategic partnerships and achieve its goals through regional and international cooperation.

The delegation was led by Dr. Mohammed Al Amer, Chairman of National Space Science Agency of Bahrain, and was welcomed by UAE Space Agency Chairman, Dr. Khalifa Al Rumaithi, and the agency's Director-General, Dr. Mohammed Nasser Al Ahbabi, as well as a number of senior officials from the nation's space sector. The Bahraini delegation was also met by Yahsat Chairman, Jassem Al Zaabi, and company's CEO, Masood Sharif Mahmoud.

The two sides discussed opportunities of cooperation with various institutions in the space sector and ways of making the most of their expertise in the fields of technology and space science. Both organisations focus on developing the space industry including implementing programmes and scientific missions which offer specialised space science training to national cadres.

During the meeting, the UAE Space Agency provided a detailed presentation on the UAE's space sector strategy, its objectives, initiatives and programmes. The agency also outlined its strategic priorities for the next phase of development, and its plans for running educational programmes that will be launched in cooperation with a number of universities and specialised 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 UAE Space Agency commended Bahrain for its efforts in the space sector, its quest towards scientific development, as well as its contribution to the field. The agency noted the close relationship between the UAE and Bahrain, as well as the close economic partnership that creates many opportunities for both countries, especially in the space industry.

During the visit, the agency organised a tour for the Bahraini delegation to the headquarters of Yahsat to introduce them to the company's operations and management in the satellite control room. The tour also featured a presentation about the company's global projects and the services it provides for developing communication solutions via satellite to governments and businesses.

Yahsat also displayed its Space Masters Cube Sat programme, which was launched recently in partnership with Orbital ATK and in participation of 12 Emirati students.

The Cube Sat programme specialises in technology and space engineering, as well as developing skills associated with designing, building and the testing of mini satellites. The programme, which is classified as a Master of Space Technology and Systems Engineering, has been established 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.