The UAE Space Agency, in collaboration with the UAE Embassy in Australia, welcomed a group of Emirati students studying space related scientific fields in Australia at the Agency’s stand at the 68th International Astronautical Congress.

A high level delegation from the UAE Space Agency is participating in the congress which runs until September 29th. The agency invited the students to its stand to highlight the UAE’s latest space achievements and future plans. It was also an opportunity for the students to observe the initiatives and projects being undertaken by other countries in the fields of space exploration and astronomy.

Workshop sessions also touched on the future of the industry, and available education and career opportunities in view of the exponential growth of the industry.

Dr. Ahmad bin Abdulla Humaid Belhoul AlFalasi, Minister of State for Higher Education and Chairman of the UAE Space Agency, said that this initiative is aligned with the agency’s strategic plan to develop human capacity in space by inspiring and educating the next generation of space leaders and pioneers.

The Director-General of UAE Space Agency, Mohammed Nasser Al Ahbabi, said that the initiative attempted to give a 360 degree view of the space industry to Emiratis studying abroad, and underlined the fact that the space sector is an important driver of growth. Developing the industry locally requires collaboration with international partners to deliver educational and training programmes.

Emirati student, Mariam Al Zuabi, who is studying astrophysics at Monash University in Melbourne, said that the workshop and initiative furthered her knowledge of the international space sector and that she was proud to be able to participate alongside the UAE Space Agency. Al Zuabi was proud to see the progress the UAE has made in the field in such a short time, and is looking forward to following the agency’s numerous projects in the coming years.

Also from the UAE, Nauf Bloushi, a student studying in Adelaide, said she participated in the congress to get a better understanding of the international space sector, as well as explore available training for students. She commended the efforts of the UAE Space Agency, and the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, for presenting such an excellent image of the UAE space sector to the world. She noted that the agency’s initiative allowed her to represent the UAE abroad and that she was proud to show the world the achievements of the UAE.