Dh30 million space observatory in UAE is first of its kind in Gulf

The Al Marsad space telescope facility will be the first of its kind in the Gulf and will be open for use by professional and amateur astronomers as well as schools and universities.

UAE astronomers plan to build a space observatory on one of the country’s highest peaks - the first of its kind in the Arabian Gulf. The announcement was made during the Gitex Technology Week held at Dubai World Trade Centre. Pawan Singh / The NationalShow less

DUBAI // Astronomers will be able to see farther into the universe than ever when a Dh30 million space observatory is built.

Al Marsad space telescope will be the first of its kind in the Arabian Gulf and will be available to professional and amateur astronomers, schools and universities.

The project is still in the early stages but astronomers plan to build the observatory on one of the country’s highest peaks.

"This is very exciting news for us astronomers because for the first time we will be able to learn more about the universe ourselves," said Hasan Al Hariri, head of Dubai Astronomy Group, which is developing the project.

“We have a couple of locations in mind for the telescope and it will have to be on one of the highest peaks in the country because we want a clear view of the stars.”

The details of the technology to be used in the telescope are also under wraps, but it will have a diameter of between 2.5 and 3 metres and be housed under a 10-metre dome.

"It will have to be at the cutting edge of technology because we want to push the boundaries of science and make new discoveries," said Mr Al Hariri, who was talking after the project was announced at the Gitex Technology Week at Dubai World Trade Centre on Tuesday.

Construction of the observatory is expected to begin in the next three to five years after technical specifications of the telescope have been finalised.

“This will be a resource that will be available not just to professionals but also amateurs, and we will also open it up to the public and educational institutions,” Mr Al Hariri said.

The telescope will mainly be used for planetary study, viewing deep sky objects and confirming lunar movements.

"We will be able to check for moon sightings, especially to confirm the start of Ramadan if required," said Mr Al Hariri.

Once operational, the telescope will be linked into a network of similar devices around the world.

“This will allow us to combine the power of these telescopes to give us a much clearer picture of the universe,” said Mr Al Hariri.

"The Arab region has a rich tradition in astronomy dating back many hundreds of years and I hope this will help to ignite new interest in the subject, and science in general."

Funding for the project has been provided by the federal Government’s Information and Communication Technology Fund (ICTF).

“The observatory is one of 15 projects that have been approved for investment by the fund,” said Dr Abdulkader Al Khayat, chairman of the fund’s board of trustees.

“Our key aim is to promote the telecoms and information technology sectors in the UAE, and build up our human capital.

“The National Observation Project is an important part of that and our hope is that it will not only improve our knowledge of space, but encourage and inspire people young and old to take up science.”

The fund received 80 applications for funding, with a committee agreeing to support 15 projects.

“These are what we would describe as national projects that we think will help the country as a whole,” said Mr Al Khayat.

The fund has provided scholarships to 400 students since its inception in 2011 and also helps entrepreneurs.

“The fund strives to promote a culture of entrepreneurship in the sector and improve links between industry and academia, to ultimately promote the involvement of UAE nationals in the realm of scientific and technology research to foster self-reliance of the UAE in technology creation and development,” said the fund’s website.