UAE Space Agency hosts Emirati students at 68th International Astronautical Congress

The UAE Space Agency, in collaboration with the UAE Embassy in Australia, hosted a group of Emirati students studying space related scientific fields in Australia at the Agency's stand at the 68th International Astronautical Congress.
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The students joined other UAE representatives at the Congress and were introduced to the latest international developments in space.

A high level delegation from the UAE Space Agency is participating in the Congress which is running until September 29th. The Agency invited the students to its stand to highlight the UAE’s latest space achievements and future plans. It was also an opportunity for the students to observe the initiatives and projects being undertaken by other countries in the fields of space exploration and astronomy.

The UAE Space Agency team organised a workshop for the students to showcase the latest trends in the international space sector, sophisticated outer space exploration programs, as well as developments in the UAE’s space industry, including the significant projects launched by the UAE over the past few years. The workshop sessions also touched on the future of the industry, and available education and career opportunities in view of the exponential growth of the industry.

Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of State for Higher Education and Chairman of the UAE Space Agency, indicated that this initiative aligned with the Agency’s strategic plan to develop human capacity in space by inspiring and educating the next generation of space leaders and pioneers.

Al Falasi also indicated that the industry at present is focusing its efforts on the implementation of a number of programs and projects to explore outer space, through space missions like the Mars Hope Probe, the launch of satellites of different sizes and functions, and through the development of observatories on the ground. All of these programs require ambitious, knowledge seeking youth looking to serve humanity.

Mohammed Nasser Al Ahbabi, Director General of UAE Space Agency, said that this initiative attempted to give a 360 degree view of the space industry to Emiratis studying abroad and underlined that the space sector is an important driver of growth. Developing the industry locally requires collaboration with international partners to deliver educational and training programs.

Mariam Al Zuabi, an astrophysics student at Monash University in Melbourne, said that the workshop and initiative furthered her knowledge of the international space sector and that she was proud to be able to participate alongside the UAE Space Agency. Al Zuabi was proud to see the progress the UAE has made in the field in such a short time, and was looking forward to following the Agency’s numerous projects in the coming years.

Nauf Bloushi, a student studying in Adelaide, said she participated in the Congress to get a better understanding of the international space sector, as well as explore available training for students. She commended the efforts of the UAE Space Agency, and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, for presenting such an excellent image of the UAE space sector to the world. She further indicated that the Agency’s initiative allowed her to represent the UAE abroad and that she was proud to show the world the achievements of the UAE.