DUBAI // A new law establishing the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre has been issued by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai.
The centre will work to support country’s efforts in the space industry and supervise the design, manufacture and launch of Al Amal, or ‘Hope,’ the Arab world’s first Mars probe.
Sheikh Mohammed also issued a decree appointing Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, as chairman and general supervisor of all projects of the centre and its strategic and development plans.
The Centre will be responsible for the preparation of national cadres in the space science, promoting innovation in this field and launching scientific and knowledge programmes in collaboration with specialised international bodies. It will also work to enhance the scientific development in the country through encouraging of innovation in space science. The Centre will fund research and give care to related projects in this field.
The Centre will also contribute to serving vital and development sectors in the country through the use of best international practices and applications related to satellites and advanced space technologies to utilise them in all development projects in the UAE.
In order to accomplish its objectives, the Centre will have the right to establish the technological companies, invest in satellite projects, launch of specialised projects, fund research and studies in the space sector. It will coordinate with the government, regional and global bodies, and hold specialised conferences as well as develop regional and global network in the field of science and applications of space technologies.
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