The importance of space to the UAE

ABU DHABI // With space exploration playing a major role in the country's plans to become a global innovation hub, The National intends to participate by using its role in the media to create a "knowledge-based economy", said Editor-In-Chief Mohammed Al Otaiba.

"There is something about the word 'space' that just inspires, or triggers that curiosity that we all carry," he said. "I notice in my discussions with my team at The National and with our partners that I just have to say the word 'space' and eyes light up.

“We all have a role to play in being part of that development process and media, I believe, is critical to a knowledge-based economy. We inform, we inspire, we engage, there is so much that we can do in terms of offering a platform to raise awareness on topics such as education. We try and can do it in fun ways.”

As part of The National Space Programme, Khalifa University and The National have entered into an agreement.

The university will provide support to train high school teachers for the Genes in Space programme and mentor the finalists as well as give them a hands-on bio-lab experience.

Khalifa University will also provide facilities and guidance for the Satellite Launch project. They will work with the students from whichever UAE university come up with the winning proposal for the satellite’s function, and house the building of the miniature satellite to get it space ready.

With the creation of the UAE Space Agency last year, and the Government’s investment of nearly Dh20 billion in commercial and scientific space projects, the UAE is aiming to become a key nation in the international space sector.

The keystone to that plan is the UAE’s mission to Mars, which aims to send an unmanned probe to the Red Planet by 2021, with the hope of becoming the first Arab country to lead a mission to another planet.

“Space today is within arm’s reach, it’s accessible,” Mr Al Otaiba said. “Technology is making it easier for us to engage, and to become inspired to come up with ideas that can be applied in space.”

esamologou@thenational.ae