The UAE Space Agency has concluded its participation in the third Aqdar World Summit, held in Moscow from August 29 to September 1 under the theme ‘Global Empowerment of Communities: Experiences and Lessons Learned’.

The summit brought together government officials, experts, academics, decision-makers and youth from around the world.

The UAE Space Agency delegation was led by Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of State for Higher Education and Advanced Skills and Chairman of the UAE Space Agency. The delegation sought to highlight the UAE National Space Program, its projects and future plans, as well as the Agency’s efforts to educate young people and inspire them to study STEM subjects.

Al Falasi said, “The Aqdar World Summit serves to highlight the successes of the UAE’s development model, including its ambitious goals and focus on key sectors such as space. At the UAE Space Agency, we strive to continuously exchange knowledge and experience with international partners to enhance global cooperation and human capacity development around the world.”

“The support of our visionary national leadership has enabled us to not only realize our ambition of reaching space but propelled us to the forefront of the international space sector as the regional leader in space science, technology and innovation. We look forward to continuing to serve and benefit humanity as we cultivate an empowered, educated and innovation generation,” added Al Falasi.

Dr.Mohammed Nasser Al Ahbabi, director-general of the UAE Space Agency, led a panel discussion entitled “UAE National Space Program – From Dream to Reality,” during which he highlighted the UAE’s most important achievements in space, as well as its future projects and plans. H.E. Dr. Eng. Al Ahbabi also took part in the youth seminars held on the sidelines of the summit, discussing with participants how the UAE’s space program is contributing to the country’s sustainable development, as well as the educational opportunities provided by its national space projects.

Al Ahbabi said, “We were delighted to take part in the third edition of the Aqdar World Summit in Moscow. It was a great opportunity for us to discuss the recent developments and achievements of the UAE space sector and share knowledge and experience with leading international experts and government representatives from around the world.”

“Since its foundation, the UAE Space Agency has been committed to both enhancing international and regional cooperation and collaboration in space, as well as promoting and supporting STEM education as means to preparing the next generation for advanced careers within the space sector and related industries. The Aqdar World Summit was an ideal opportunity for us to interface with the international community to discuss some of the world’s most pressing challenges and how investing in space is essential for the continued growth and prosperity of nations around the world,” added H.E. Dr. Eng. Al Ahbabi.

The UAE Space Agency delegation, accompanied by officials from the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Center (MBRSC), visited the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia. During the visit, the delegation was briefed on the latest training received by UAE astronauts Hazza Al Mansouri and Sultan Al Neyadi in preparation for their mission to the International Space Station on September 25.

Al Falasi also met with Dmitry Rogozin, director general of the Russian Space Agency (Roscosmos), in the presence of officials from both agencies. The two sides discussed areas of bilateral cooperation in the space sector, within the framework of the strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between both parties.