UAE to boost homegrown space talent

As part of a wider effort to strengthen cooperation with educational entities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) in order to develop qualified national human resources to work in the space science and technology sector.

The MoU was signed by Dr. Ali Rashid Al Noaimi, Vice Chancellor of UAEU, and Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Board of Directors at MBRSC, in the presence of Yousuf Hamad Al Shaibani, Director General of MBRSC, along with a number of executive officials from both parties.

According to the memorandum, MBRSC will coordinate with UAEU to design and develop educational and training programs in scientific disciplines related to space science and technology and satellites to enable fresh graduates to meet the growing needs of the space sector in the UAE.
The two parties agreed that MBRSC will create job opportunities for outstanding students in scientific, technical and space projects, in addition to providing scholarships for students in the engineering and information technology colleges.
Commenting on the MoU signing, Dr. Ali Rashid Al Noaimi, Vice Chancellor of UAEU, highlighted the importance of these strategic partnerships and their role in supporting and developing scientific research and providing training and job opportunities with experts and specialists. He explained that the university works to strengthen cooperation and partnership with concerned institutions in order to support studies of space science and satellite technology, thus promoting the welfare of the nation.
Dr. Al Noaimi pointed out that: “The national university has the capabilities and resources to achieve the common goals of the two parties, thus supporting the development of the space science sector, encouraging creativity and sustainability in scientific research, developing scientific research programs with the help of international research centres, contributing positively and effectively to research matters related to the space technology sector, exchanging experiments and experiences with MBRSC and achieving scientific integration.”
Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Board of Directors at MBRSC, said: “The approach of excellence and innovation adopted by the UAE is based on investing in people. Signing the MoU between MBRSC and the UAEU highlights the shared commitment between academic institutions and specialised entities to meet the requirements of the next stage in the fields of science and technology.
“The rapid growth in the space sector requires the support of the educational sector, relying on the expertise MBRSC engineers and experts have gained, and involving the academic staff in the ambitious development projects and initiatives.”
Praising the role of the university in academic and scientific advancement, Al Mansoori said: “UAEU is a prestigious educational institution that serves as an incubator for technology and research centres, particularly in the space field. University officials and ourselves have common ambitions and we work together to create and develop specialised, technical and training programs for students and graduates. We also employ the gained skills and competencies in space projects and advanced technology in order to contribute to the growth of the space sector thus building a sustainable economy based on innovation, creativity and excellence.”