Almost 60 years ago, Dwight D Eisenhower was president of the United States, Elvis Presley was at the top of the charts, Chevrolet Impalas were on the roads and Nasa launched its first satellite. From that moment, the great space race was on.
At a ceremony hosted by the UAE Embassy in Washington last month, Dr Mohammed Al Ahbabi, director general of the UAE Space Agency, told of the country’s journey to establishing its very own agency.
He also revealed the UAE’s Dh20 billion investment in the industry.
“Fast forward 57 years, the UAE Space Agency recognises that developing solid space foundations and technology has proven its positive impact on improving the quality of life worldwide and on global economic growth,” Mr Al Ahbabi told the 340 guests.
He said the space industry had led to vast benefits in the fields of agriculture, environment, health, transport and computer technology.
“Through space research and collaboration, we have the opportunity to further strengthen relations between our close nations, to cooperate and exchange ideas on developing the international space industry,” he said.
Mr Al Ahbabi said the aerospace and space industries would be key drivers to the national economy in the UAE.
The UAE is currently operating seven satellites and has invested more than Dh20bn in space technology, including satellite data and the television broadcast company Al Yah Satellite Communications.
He also spoke of the UAE’s plans to send a probe to Mars by 2021, to coincide with the country’s 50th anniversary.
A partnership with the US would create opportunities in both nations.
“We strongly believe that we can cooperate and work together in achieving excellence in space, and we look forward to finding synergy in our plans and moving forward together,” he said.
The ceremony was part of a five-day visit to Washington, which aimed to improve space industry cooperation with the US through a series of meetings.
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