The Middle East’s first space research centre is expected to open in the Emirates within the next year, the director general of the UAE Space Agency announced on Monday.
Updated: May 25, 2015, 12:00 AM
UAE Space Agency reveals launch of Al Ain research centre - in pictures
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, attends the launch. Delores Johnson / The National
The Dh100 million centre in Al Ain will act as an incubator for development and innovation at the federal level.. Delores Johnson / The National
Dr Mohammed Al Ahbabi, director general of the UAE Space Agency, speaks at the ceremony. Delores Johnson / The National
The centre will be funded by UAE University and the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, represented by the ICT Fund. Delores Johnson / The National
The UAE will focus on training Emirati men and women in the space sector by establishing educational competitions, workshops, activities and summer camps for students in the UAE and abroad.. Delores Johnson / The National
The country’s first academic space programme was also launched on Monday by the Space Agency in partnership with Yahsat, the Masdar Institute and ATK Orbital. Delores Johnson / The National
This year, 20 students will be selected to travel, overseas and within the UAE, in partnership with the Ministry of Presidential Affairs and the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Fund. AFP Photo
The agency is using the Mars mission as a vehicle to attract young people. AFP Photo
Emirati visitors take photos at the Space Museum during the launch of the UAE Space Agency strategic plan. Kamran Jebreili / AP Photo
Kamran Jebreili / AP Photo