The UAE Space Agency and Al Yah Satellite Communications Company (YahSat) have announced their participation in the 5th edition of the Bahrain International Airshow this week.
The show will be held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of Bahrain, from 14 to 16 November. The UAE Space Agency and Yahsat will participate through a joint stand and will highlight the UAE’s space projects and strategic initiatives of both organizations.
The UAE Space Agency’s participation will demonstrate a number of key space projects launched by the UAE over the past few years. The projects include the Hope Probe, the first Arab mission to explore Mars, which is being developed by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre with funding and supervision from the UAE Space Agency, as well as other initiatives that will help cement the UAE’s position as a leader in the global space sector.
The agency will also showcase the strong strategic ties in the space industry between the UAE and Bahrain, represented by National Space Science Agency (NSSA). The ties include efforts of sharing knowledge, expertise, and local competencies, as well as cooperation on research projects related to space regulations.
The cooperation is based on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2015, on the sidelines of the previous edition of the air show. The MoU outlines the cooperation between the two organizations in the exploration and peaceful use of space.
Dr. Mohammed Nasser Al Ahbabi, Director General of the UAE Space Agency, stressed that the agency’s participation comes in line with its strategic plans to ensure its presence in major aerospace industry shows, including the Bahrain International Airshow, which is one of the fastest growing events in the region.
He added that the air show participation will help highlight the strategic relationship between the two countries and organizations, which led to signing a MoU to boost the knowledge and capabilities of both countries in the space industry.
Masood M Sharif Mahmood, Chief Executive Officer of Yahsat, said: “The participation in the Bahrain International Airshow will enable us to connect with major aerospace companies to discuss ways to cooperate in providing satellite communication services, Yahsat currently provides satellite communication services to clients in government and commercial sectors, including healthcare, and education in more than 55 countries. Yahsat will also demonstrate its capabilities in providing secure satellite communications services to government sectors.”
In total, the UAE’s participation at the airshow includes 14 aerospace, engineering, and defense companies. The UAE’s strong participation along with Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, signifies the deep bonds between the GCC countries, said the statement.
