A delegation from the UAE Space Agency has been attending the Paris Air Show this week to promote the agency and the UAE Space programme to an international audience at the world's largest and longest running aerospace trade show.

Led by UAE Space Agency Director-General, Dr. Mohammed Al Ahbabi, the delegation also met with representatives from other international space agencies attending the show, including the President of the Centre National deludes Spatiales, the National Centre of Space Studies of France, also known as CNES.

Established in 1909, the Paris Air Show is currently holding its 51st exhibition at Le Bourget Airport in Paris, from 15th to 21st June 2015.

"We're extremely proud to be representing the UAE Space Agency at one of the world's most prestigious aerospace events," said Dr. Al Ahbabi.

"The Paris Air Show offers a unique opportunity to not only share the accomplishments of the UAE Space Agency before an international audience, but also to meet with industry colleagues from around the world to discuss further avenues of cooperation between the UAE and international space agencies. These relationships will play a key role in the successful development of our own programme, improve technical abilities as we exchange scientific knowledge and best practices, as well as improve the UAE's standing as a world leader in space exploration."

During the event, Dr. Al Ahbabi and the UAE Space Agency delegation met with the President of CNES, Jean-Yves Le Gall.

The meeting followed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the two agencies in April. The MoU allows for extensive future cooperation activities in the field of space between the UAE and France. It also covers partnerships in scientific missions and outreach efforts.

The UAE Space Agency's participation at the Paris Air Show is its first major international event following the unveiling of the agency's operational plans at a launch event in May. At the launch, in the presence of UAE government leaders and other high profile officials, the UAE Space Agency detailed its plans in support of the UAE Space programme, including the creation of the Middle East's first Space Research Centre and operations in support of the UAE's Mars Probe Mission.

This event is the second European stop for the UAE Space Agency this week, coming on the back of its visit to Vienna, Austria, for the United Nations Committee for the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, COPOUS, meeting last week.
Source: WAM