MoU aims to exchange data in the field of satellite imagery applications and transfer of knowledge and practical experience

Dubai-UAE - 8 September 2015: The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Abu Dhabi Airports. The MoU will facilitate cooperation, information and data exchange between the two organizations, in the fields of satellite imagery applications, knowledge and experience transfer, and human resources development. The MoU was signed by Eng. Salem Humaid Al Marri, Assistant Director General for Scientific and Technical Affairs at MBRSC on behalf of the Centre’s Director General and Eng. Ahmad Al Haddabi, Chief Operations Officer at Abu Dhabi Airports, on behalf of the company’s Chief Executive, and was attended by a number of high level management from both sides.

According to the MoU, MBRSC will provide Abu Dhabi Airports with space imagery services which will include providing patched Multi-Spectral and Panchromatic space images on a regular basis or upon request. The corrected, high quality images will be taken by MBRSC's Dubaisat-1 and DubaiSat-2 satellites, based on the coordinates system adopted by Abu Dhabi Airports. On the other hand, Abu Dhabi Airports has agreed to provide MBRSC with all required spatial and geographical data necessary to perform image corrections and patches.

Under the MoU, the parties will collaborate to conduct technical studies to determine Abu Dhabi Airports' current and future requirements, in terms of imagery and space applications. This includes remote sensing applications and geographic design and analysis and will take into account Abu Dhabi Airports’ needs when determining processes of designing, particularly in surveillance of urban planning, distribution and classification of vegetation, water resources, environmental applications, shares control, pollution, and other applications. Moreover, the two parties shall commit to joint coordination in obtaining data, information and technologies that aim at availing the required services and completing the geographic information system database.

Commenting on the signing of the memorandum, Engineer Salem Humaid Al Marri, Assistant Director General for Scientific and Technical Affairs at MBRSC, said that 'the signing of this MoU with Abu Dhabi Airports falls under the Centre's strategy in building bridges of cooperation with various government and non-governmental institutions around the UAE. It’s important that we continuously establish long lasting partnerships that benefit the country. We are also pleased and honored to exchange experience and offer best practices and services in the field of space science with Abu Dhabi Airports, in what contributes to the development of satellite services to meet current and future requirements.'

Eng. Ahmad Al Haddabi, Chief Operations Officer at Abu Dhabi Airports, commented: “Abu Dhabi Airports is always eager to establish partnerships with national entities that will support our efforts towards continuous development of the services delivered to all our customers. Through the signing of the MOU today with MBRSC we have added a new strategic partner to our network, a leader in the aerospace industry, and we are proud to work with such a high caliber organization,  and to exchange knowledge that will further drive technical and scientific development within the UAE.”

Al Marri added: 'We reaffirm our commitment to coordination and consultation with the various institutions within the UAE, as we strongly believe that we have a vital mission in driving sustainable development in the UAE, in line with the UAE’s leadership objectives and vision.'

Concluding his statement, Al Marri said: 'The Centre will continue its efforts to develop space programs, projects, technologies and activities that enhance space science and its applications in the UAE in-line with the directions of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of MBRSC and general supervisor of all projects of the Centre and its strategic and development plans.'

MBRSC is a Dubai Government entity which aims to promote scientific innovation and technology advancement in Dubai and the UAE. The Centre works on research projects and studies related to space science, in line with the approach of the United Arab Emirates, in its quest to develop the sector and build national academic skills through it.

Among the most prominent tasks entrusted to the Centre are the design, implementation, and supervision of all phases of launching the “Hope Probe” to explore Mars. The Centre is also responsible for all projects related to satellite technology and applications and specialized projects, and advanced technical projects assigned to stakeholders. Also, the Centre provides space imaging and earth station services and support to other satellite services.

In 2009, MBRSC launched 'DubaiSat-1' into space, the first remote sensing satellite. In 2013, the second satellite 'DubaiSat-2' was launched, while work is underway to launch the third satellite 'KhalifaSat', which is being built purely by Emirati engineering and expertise in the UAE.