UAE, UN agencies hold symposium on challenges, opportunities in space activities and civil aviation

The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and United Nations Office for Outer Space (UNOOSA) today held a symposium today at the Rosewood Hotel in Abu Dhabi, bringing together industry leaders from the aviation and space industries.

The main theme of the symposium was the challenges and opportunities within emerging space activities and civil aviation.

Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) opened the proceedings of the symposium. Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of GCAA, Dr. Mohammed Al Ahbabi, Director General of the UAE Space Agency and George Whitesides, CEO and President of Virgin Galactic gave keynote addresses on aerospace innovation and suborbital operations.

Al Suwaidi explained to the audience that any initiative focused on enhancing cooperation between civil aviation and space travel must take into account the public interest rather than focusing on pure profit. He called for a solid legislative and regulatory framework to ensure the safety and security of the ever expanding space sector.

Dr. Al Ahbabi commented, "As more investments are being made in the space sector, it is vital that we come together to address challenges and issues that we face globally within the industry. The development of space technologies and the space sector are catalysts for economic development and diversification. It creates job opportunities and allows us to enable scientists and engineers to become pioneers in an industry that can bring huge benefits to our daily lives. Many technologies that we use today stem from the developments made within the space industry. It is great to gather today in the UAE capital to discuss the latest developments and trends within aviation and space activities and we welcome ICAO and UNOOSA leaders to Abu Dhabi."

Al Ahbabi added that the UAE Space Agency is preparing the UAE space sector for developments in emerging space trends, commercial space, human space flights, resources from outer space and new space technologies.

Dr. Khalifa Al Romaithi, Chairman of the UAE Space Agency added, "The importance of space exploration in the greater context of advancing humanities legacy cannot be overstated. For this reason we are firm believers in working together with all competent entities in the field of space towards the common goal of fostering the well-being of humankind. Our commitment to the peaceful exploration of space is exemplified by our relationships and connections across the globe with major players in the field of space."

"The UAE is already setting the foundation for international corporation within the space industry. We have signed agreements with the India, Bahrain, Italy, France, China, Russia, Great Britain and others. We have also become members of major space organisations and alliances such as the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. With our well established industrial sector and education system, the UAE has already seized the lead in terms of space activities in the Middle East and North Africa," concluded Dr. Romaithi.

Salem Humaid Al Marri, Assistant Director General for Scientific and Technical Affairs at Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, participated in panel session for International Aerospace Aspiration and Innovation Showcases. During this discussion, he addressed the "triangular strategy adopted by the Centre in the localisation of the satellite industry and encouraging space research until we’ve explored outer space."

Al Marri also discussed the ambitious plans and space projects the centre is currently working on, including Emirates Mars Mission - Hope Probe, KhalifaSat and Nayif-1, in addition to operating DubaiSat-2 and employing advanced satellite imagery applications in the Centre.

Source:WAM