In his capacity as Ruler of Dubai, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has issued a law establishing Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, which will work to support country's efforts in the space field and supervise design and manufacturing and launch of Al Amal, or ‘Hope', the Arab world's first Mars probe to establish an integrated infrastructure to manufacture satellite in the country as well as taking advantage of its applications in all development areas.

Sheikh Mohammed also issued a decree appointing H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai as Chairman and general supervisor of all projects of the centre and its strategic and development plans.

The Centre will be responsible for the preparation of national cadres in the space science, promoting innovation in this field and launching of scientific and knowledge programmes in collaboration with specialised international bodies. It will also work to enhance the scientific development in the country through encouraging of innovation in space science. The Centre will fund researches and studies and give care to related projects in this field.

The Centre will also contribute to serving vital and development sectors in the country through the use of best international practices and applications related to satellites and advanced space technologies to utilise them in all development projects in the UAE.

In order to accomplish its objectives, the Centre will have the right to establish the technological companies, invest in satellite projects, launch of specialised projects, fund for researches and studies in the space sector. It will coordinate with the government, regional and global bodies, and hold specialised conferences as well as develop regional and global network in the field of science and applications of space technologies.

Sheikh Mohammed also issued a law to join the Emirates Institution for Advanced Science and Technology (EIAST), with the Centre and consider it one of its affiliated institutions and appointment of a CEO. EIAST will implement and follow-up the policies, plans and programmes and decisions set by the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre.

Sheikh Mohammed also issued a resolution appointing a Board of Directors of the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre which will include Hamad Obaid Al Sheikh Al Mansouri as chairman of the Board of Director, Yousef Ahmed Al Shaibani Vice Chairman, and the membership of the following Mansour Abdullah Bastaki , Mohammed Saif Al Miqbali and Mansoor Juma Bu Osaiba.

The Board of Directors will set the general policies and development and strategic plans, approve and assess programmes, follow-up of the Executive Authority's performance, endorse of the organisational structure and the annual budget and practice all authorities and powers to achieve its objectives.

The Centre will have a director general who will be appointed by a resolution from the Chairman, and he will be responsible for proposing policies and preparation of plans and work programmes, organisational structure and all decisions relating to technical, administrative and financial aspects of the centre.

He will also prepare the annual budget and follow-up the implementation of all the resolutions approved by the Board of Directors and oversees the organisational units of the centre as well as raise the annual follow-up reports pertaining to the projects and programmes carried out by the centre.
Source: WAM