The UAE Space Agency is hosting the first-ever Space Research Conference 2024 in Abu Dhabi from October 8 to 10. This event will also coincide with World Space Week. This event brings together leading academics, scientists, and industry experts from around the world. They will discuss advancements and set research priorities in the UAE’s growing space sector. Attendees include UAE astronaut Dr. Sultan Al Neyadi. His presence highlighted the crucial role of space research in tackling global challenges and driving technological innovation.
This conference focuses on six key areas. These areas include Satellite Communications, Positioning, Navigation and Timing, Earth Observation, Sustainability, and Space Exploration. Salem Butti Salem Al Qubaisi, Director-General of the UAE Space Agency, noted that the conference aims to increase collaboration among researchers. It will further align their efforts with national space goals. The event also serves as a platform for promoting a culture of creativity and innovation within the UAE’s space industry.
A significant highlight of the conference is the introduction of the Space Research Platform. It is a comprehensive database and search engine featuring over 450 scientific publications. It has contributions from more than 200 researchers in the space field. This integrated platform is designed to facilitate access to the latest research, white papers, and technological advancements. It will further support the UAE’s aspirations in space exploration.
The conference will include a variety of engaging sessions. These sessions include the ‘Space for Sustainability’ hackathon and presentations from esteemed institutions like the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre and Khalifa University. Over the course of three days, the conference will celebrate achievements in space education. It will also announce the winners of research paper competitions. It highlights the UAE’s dedication to enhancing its role in the global space community.