The UAE Space Agency has signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, with the Government of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, defining a framework for collaboration and the exchange of information and expertise in the fields of space science, research, and technology.

The MoU was signed by Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of State for Higher Education and Chairman of the UAE Space Agency, and Etienne Schneider, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of the Economy, Internal Security and Defence of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

The signing of took place as part of an official visit to Abu Dhabi by a high-level delegation from Luxembourg, headed by HRH Prince Guillaume, Crown Prince of Luxembourg, and including HRH Princess Stephanie, Crown Princess of Luxembourg, and Elisabeth Cardoso, Ambassador of Luxembourg to the UAE.

The delegation met with UAE Space Agency officials including Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi and Dr. Mohammed Nasser Al Ahbabi, Director-General of the UAE Space Agency.

The MoU promotes cooperation in various aspects of space exploration, including space science, research, technology, remote sensing, and navigation. In addition to this, the MoU encourages collaboration on space policy, law, regulation, and personnel training for space activities.

Commenting on the signing of the agreement, Dr. Ahmad Al Falasi said, "Our agreement with the Government of the Grand Duchy Luxembourg falls within the strategic visions of both the Space Agency and the UAE. This includes working towards closer international cooperation, establishing mutually beneficial international partnerships and exchanging scientific knowledge with the rest of the world."

"The UAE Space Agency recognises the importance of international collaboration in the field of peaceful exploitation of outer space, as this field is considered part of humankind’s common heritage. It is imperative in our view for all competent entities in this field to work together towards the common goal of enhancing the welfare of humanity," he added.

Etienne Schneider said, "Luxembourg is actively promoting the peaceful exploration and the sustainable utilisation of space resources for the benefit of humankind. "

"In line with those goals, the Grand-Duchy encourages discussions on space resources exploration and utilisation in all relevant international fora. By signing this MoU with the UAE Space Agency, we continue to endorse cooperation at bilateral and multilateral levels to progress together with other nations on a future governance scheme and a global regulatory framework for space resources utilisation," she explained.

Dr. Al Ahbabi added, "The UAE and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg enjoy great partnerships across many areas including the exploration of space, and we are certain that the signing of this MoU will strengthen cooperation in space sciences, research, technology and services, as well as the existing strong relations between the two countries."