GSSF 2013: Global Space and Satellite Forum opens in Abu Dhabi

The 2013 Global Space and Satellite Forum got under way today at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Abu Dhabi. Attracting global experts from across 30 countries, the event looked at the blossoming space industry in the Middle East and how satellites have an important role to play in terms of earth observation and communication.
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Delegates were welcomed by Dr Eng. Mohammed Al Ahbabi, CIO and ICT Advisor for the UAE Armed Forces. He said that the global space industry was now worth around $300bn a year, posting 12% growth in 2012.

In the MENA region he added that the UAE recognised the importance of space for its knowledge-based economy, citing the success of Yahsat in Abu Dhabi, plus Thuraya and EIAST (DubaiSat) in Dubai. He added that wheels have been set in motion to try to develop and implement a Federal Emirati space agency.

The forum's inaugural address was given by HH Prince Dr Turki Saud Mohammed Al-Saud, Vice President for Research Institutes at King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) (pictured right).

He said that "while oil has been good to us" Saudi Arabia has looked to diversify to a technology-based economy. The Prince added that the Kingdom now contributes 25% of its annual budget to education, has around one million students and 90% of high school graduates go on to a college education.
 
Saudi Arabia also invests heavily in science and technology, now setting aside a budget of around $4.4bn a year to help the Kingdom achieve its goal of becoming one of the leading technological nations in the world.
 
"We have so far launched 12 satellites," Prince Turki said. "And we now have a strategic plan to help us develop further and join the world's leading countries in advanced scientific and technological achievement."
 
Seminar sessions throughout the rest of the day looked at satellite-based information and services and their economic impact, emergency response using earth observation data and how having a space policy could benefit countries like the UAE.
 
After a networking lunch, delegates had the opportunity of visiting the offices of Abu Dhabi-based Yahsat for a behind the scenes look at the major satellite and telecommunications provider.

 

 

 

Steve Nichols

Steve Nichols

Steve (BSc Hons, FIIC) is a journalist and communicator with more than 35 years' experience.

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