The Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, MBRSC, has won the first "IAF Excellence in 3G Diversity Award" at the International Astronautical Congress in Australia.

The centre received the award from the International Astronautical Federation for its contributions in fostering the "3Gs" of Geography, Generation, and Gender Diversity within the space sector.

Salem Al Marri, Assistant Director-General for Scientific and Technical Affairs at MBRSC, received the award from the IAF President, Dr. Jean-Yves Le Gall, and Chair of the Award Committee, Mary Snitch, at a ceremony held during the current session of the conference in Adelaide.

Commenting on the occasion, Dr. Le Gall said, "The MBRSC has demonstrated to be an outstanding organisation, having diversity in their genes. They are an example to the entire space community. The IAF is proud to receive its first "IAF Excellence in 3G Diversity Award" to such an impressive organisation contributing to the fostering of the 3G Geography, Generation and Gender."

Yousuf Hamad Al Shaibani, Director-General of the MBRSC, said, "We are honoured to receive the first IAF Excellence in 3G Diversity Award, which reflects our strategy since 2006. The centre has built strategic partnerships with different organisations and had cooperation ties around the world. We have started with a strategic partnership with Satrec Intiative with a knowledge transfer programme to gain the knowledge of building satellites. It was a cornerstone in the owning the basic requirements for a satellite industry, namely, building national capabilities and which lead to the success in localising space sector in the country."

Al-Shaibani added, "MBRSC proved its international presence, through establishing partnerships with international institutions reflecting its openness and cooperation to serve the development of space sector and its peaceful uses".

"The centre will continue its efforts to achieve the UAE's vision to the space sector, to be among the world's most competitive space countries, reflecting the directions of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, and Chairman of MBRSC, and general supervisor of all projects of the centre and its strategic and development plans," he concluded.