19 September 2017, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates:  The UAE Space Agency is to participate in the 68th International Astronautical Congress (IAC), which will take place at the Adelaide Convention Centre in Australia, from 25th to 29th September. The delegation is being led by H.E. Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of State for Higher Education and Chairman of the UAE Space Agency.

Organized by the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), the IAC is one of the world’s premier space events, attracting more than 5,000 participants, from policy-makers and heads of international space bodies to industry experts and students. 

Hosted this year by the Space Industry Association of Australia (SIAA), IAC will covers all sectors and topics related to space exploration, regulation, and education. It also offers attendees the latest academic trends and industry developments, as well as providing excellent networking and partnership opportunities.
The UAE Space Agency will use the Congress as an opportunity to strengthen its relations with the international space community, and to support the UAE’s bid to host the 71st IAC in Dubai in 2020. The Space Agency is exhibiting at the IAC, and will use its presence to advance these goals.

In addition, Space Agency engineers will present four academic papers highlighting the unique experiences of the Emirati space sector and industry, including advanced astronomy projects, local training programs and Mars exploration plans. 

Speaking ahead of the conference, H.E. Dr. Al Falasi emphasized the importance of participating in the IAC, and sharing the latest developments and research from the UAE.

“The Agency’s participation in this international space event is a necessity, given the rapidly evolving nature of space science and exploration. Additionally, since the Agency is responsible for funding and supervising a range of initiatives, we need to remain informed of all the latest developments in the field of space exploration,” said H.E. Al Falasi.

He added: “Being a part of this international gathering is consistent with the Agency’s strategic plans to continuously develop partnerships and strengthen relations with major international bodies. We aim to support the space sector in the UAE with the latest international developments, which will be reflected throughout existing and future projects.”

H.E. Dr. Eng. Mohammed Nasser Al Ahbabi, Director General of UAE Space Agency, said: “The global space sector is experiencing rapid expansion in activities. As a result, there are a range of new challenges posed by the increasing accessibility, attractiveness, and commercial viability of space. We believe it is essential that the UAE and the international community prepare for such challenges in order to ensure the long term sustainability of space activities.”