Space exploration key for national security, economic growth in UAE

The UAE has invested more than Dh18 billion into its space programmes, the director general of the country’s newly-established space agency has said.

Masood Mahmood, Yahsat chief executive, delivers his address at the Milsatcom Middle East Conference. Ravindranath K / The National

ABU DHABI // The UAE has invested more than Dh18 billion into its space programmes, the director general of the country’s newly-established space agency said on Tuesday.

Dr Mohammed Al Ahbabi said the space market, estimated globally to be worth US$340bn (Dh1.24 trillion) in 2013 and growing at an annual rate of 7 per cent, had long been identified by the Government as a sector for development.

“The UAE space sector is considered to be the largest in the region, with a direct investment of $5bn,” Dr Al Ahbabi told the opening day of the MilSatCom conference in Abu Dhabi.

“The UAE is considered to be a hub in space and aerospace, with three major space players including Yahsat, which provides government, military, civil and commercial secure services.

“I was really happy to hear that it has become one of the top 10 satellite companies in the world in terms of revenue.”

Dr Al Ahbabi said Thuraya Telecommunications Company was another significant local player.

“It is covering two-thirds of the world,” he said. “I saw at Idex their key innovative services beyond the classic military satellite services.

“The Emirates Institute for Science and Technology is the third major player, which is assembling the third satellite to be launched.” The launch is expected in early 2017.

Dr Al Ahbabi described access to space as crucial for national security and also an engine for economic growth. He said it was the fourth domain of power after land, air and sea.

“There is no doubt that space is important for every country,” he said. “We know it is hard, expensive, high-risk and that space programmes take time.

“But in spite of that, space provides great advantages and is a source of inspiration, prestige, job creation and opportunities.”

Satellite communications were crucial for the military, he said. “In spite of what we see as a trend of dispersed missions, today most of the military operations are not only within borders, but across. And this requires a satellite communication.”

Brig Mubarak Al Jabbri, head of communications and IT at the Armed Forces, said changing operational needs of military communications systems emphasised the importance of satellite communications solutions for field commanders.

He said military operations on modern battlefields relied on the internet. Satellites were crucial “to implement their plans and achieve informational superiority over enemies”.

“Military satellite communications have proved their importance in recent wars and their ability to make a difference.”

Brig Al Jabbri said: “We believe in its importance to raise the efficiency and capacity of all units to carry out their combat missions. And the best proof for that is the services provided by Yahsat to all its subscribers.”

Driving satellite innovation and the next generation of defence communications is one of the main aims of Yahsat, said its chief executive Masood Mahmood.

“We need to be able to deliver effective military satellite solutions to our customers,” Mr Mahmood said.