UAE Space Agency signs MoU with UK Space Agency

Above: H.E Dr Khalifa Al Romaithi (left) and David Parker.sign the MoU.

The MoU was signed in London during a visit this week by a high-level delegation, including H.E Dr Khalifa Al Romaithi, Chairman of the UAE Space Agency and by H.E Dr. Mohammed Nasser Al Ahbabi, Director General of the UAE Space Agency, who met with senior officials from the UK Space Agency.

The MoU covers collaboration in various aspects of space exploration, including space science, technology, applications, policy, law, regulation and human capital development in the space field and related areas. In addition to this, the MoU encourages the establishment of joint working groups to examine and define proposals for joint programs in the areas decided upon by the two agencies, which supports the space programmes in both countries.

Above: H.E Dr Khalifa Al Romaithi (left) and David Parker.

The MoU also covers the promotion of educational activities in space science and technology as well as the promotion of the use of products and services developed under the two agencies programmes.

H.E Dr Khalifa Al Romaithi, Chairman of the UAE Space Agency said: "The UAE enjoys a strong relationship with the United Kingdom in various fields, including education, business, science and culture. We are looking forward to further augmenting this relationship via the new MoU, which is in line with our strategic plans to expand collaboration with the UK."

Al Romaithi added: "We discussed with our English counterparts opportunities to develop aspects of collaboration in areas of common interest and future prospects. We look forward to exchanging expertise, participating in joint studies as well as holding joint conferences and symposia. All of these undertakings will benefit the space agencies of both nations and strengthen the ties between our people.”

British Ambassador to the UAE, Philip Parham said: “With the signing of this MoU, the broad and deep UK and UAE strategic partnership has now reached space. This will open the way for extensive cooperation and partnership in space research, scientific missions and popular outreach. The UK is one of the world leaders in space exploration and technology: UK technology was key to the world’s first collaborative satellite and the most distant probe landing ever achieved – Ariel 1 and Huygens respectively. I’m excited to imagine the potential, the uncharted frontiers and the many benefits which the UAE and UK can realise together in this field.” 

H.E Dr. Mohammed Al Ahbabi, Director General of the UAE Space Agency spoke about the UAE space sector and the state's strategy, objectives, initiatives, and programs in this field, in addition to the agency’s strategic priorities.

Al Ahbabi said: “The UAE Space Agency recognizes the importance of space exploration in the greater context of advancing humanities legacy. We are firm believers in working together with all competent entities in the field of space towards the common goal of fostering the well-being of humankind.”

David Parker, CEO of the UK Space Agency emphasized the importance of the MoU when he said, “We are extremely proud of this memorandum. This collaboration in the space field is a sign of the strong desire of our two countries to work together, and confirms the commitment of the UK to become a partner of the UAE Space Agency.”