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Abu Dhabi to host Global Space Congress on Tuesday |
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Heads of space agencies, executives from leading space and aviation companies, government ministers and prominent academics and researchers will gather tomorrow in Abu Dhabi for the Global Space Congress. The Arab space experts will also gather under one roof to discuss ways of strengthening joint cooperation between Arab states in the space sector. The international event is set to be held in Abu Dhabi under the patronage of Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum The Congress runs January 31 to February 1 at the St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, bringing together more than 600 experts and specialists from around the world. Representatives from Arab space agencies and organisations involved in the space sector participated in a special panel discussion on the second day of the event, during which they will discuss the importance of the space sector for Arab states on a number of levels. Participants will present the infrastructural elements available to the region, and explore ways to promote the region as a center for space projects. Delegates will discuss the benefits of space activities, and their contributions to the development of science, technology and research throughout the Arab world. Other benefits to be explored include economic growth and diversification, encouraging advanced scientific research among students and graduates, and forming long-term global partnerships. Dr. Mohammed Al Ahbabi, Director General of the UAE Space Agency, is to lead the session, which includes a number of esteemed speakers. Among them are Dr. Mohammed Ahmed Al Amer, President of the Central Informatics Organisation in Bahrain; Dr. Ezzedine Oussedik, Director General of the Algerian Space Agency; Mahmoud Hussein, Vice President of Egypt’s National Authority for Remote Sensing and Space Sciences; and Salem Humaid Al Marri, Assistant General Manager of Scientific and Technical Affairs at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Center. Dr Khalifa Al Romaithi, Chairman of the UAE Space Agency, said: "This session falls under the UAE space sector’s strategic goals, which focus on building and strengthening international relationships and partnerships in the field, including developing bilateral relations with Arab states. This was the impetus behind us organising of the meeting, which will review Arab capabilities in the field and develop a framework for maximising our mutually beneficial results." Dr Mohammed Al Ahbabi said: "Throughout the past, Arabs have made significant contributions to astronomy that have helped mankind develop space sciences. We believe it is necessary to revive this great legacy by unifying Arab efforts through developing collaborative space projects with the aim of improving current capabilities and contributing significant scientific research to the space community." |
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