Dr Sultan bin Saif Al Niyadi, UAE Minister of State for Youth Affairs, affirmed that the nation’s achievements in technology and space are a result of the steadfast support from its wise leadership and the strategic vision laid out by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. This vision placed human development and knowledge investment at the heart of the UAE’s growth journey.
A Legacy of Space Exploration
This statement was made during a session titled “Space: A National Innovation Ecosystem” as part of the cultural programme at the 35th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, organised by the Abu Dhabi Center for Arabic Language under the theme “Let’s Turn the Page and Read the World,” running until September 18 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.
Dr Al Niyadi noted that the UAE’s relationship with space is not a recent phenomenon, tracing its beginnings back to the time of the founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. He recalled Sheikh Zayed’s meeting with the Apollo mission pioneers, highlighting an early belief in the essential role of science and knowledge in shaping the country’s future.
Two Decades of Progress in Space
The UAE’s journey in space spans nearly two decades, during which the nation has successfully leveraged global experiences and knowledge to develop its own capacities and keep pace with rapid scientific and technological changes. Dr Al Niyadi spoke about his training for the “Hope Probe” mission, which took five years and covered various fields, including aviation, space systems, robotics, and survival skills within an integrated exploration framework. He emphasised that his transition from engineer to astronaut and, subsequently, to minister represents a continuous path of learning and challenge.
He elaborated that the “Hope Probe” project was not solely aimed at reaching Mars but also intended to stimulate a comprehensive national ecosystem, raising ambitions within the industrial and academic sectors, and enabling Emirati talents to engage in a global scientific project. At that time, the UAE became one of only three countries—alongside the United States and China—to launch a Mars mission, showcasing its capability to enter advanced scientific and technological domains in a short time. This ambition, which began with Sheikh Zayed, has now extended to lunar exploration.
The Interplay Between Knowledge Economy and Space Economy
Dr Al Niyadi also discussed the relationship between the knowledge economy and the space economy, noting that the latter presents vast potential to evolve into a successful economic venture if properly planned. Applications in urban planning, climate change studies, communications, and navigation can be effectively harnessed. He pointed out that the development of the satellite industry has opened doors for both local and foreign companies to participate, fostering innovation and enabling the export of products and services, thus enhancing the UAE’s position in the global space sector. For instance, the Mohammed bin Zayed Satellite, with 90% of its components manufactured within the UAE, reflects the nation’s advancing capabilities in the space industrial sector.
Future Lunar Endeavours
Regarding lunar exploration, Dr Al Niyadi highlighted that the “Rashid 2” mission will mark a significant leap for the UAE’s space industry. It is set to be launched towards the far side of the Moon, representing a pivotal step in the UAE’s journey towards fulfilling its lunar exploration aspirations.
He stressed that the environment established since the inception of the UAE National Space Programme has been conducive to investing in minds, developing companies, universities, and research centres, and transforming knowledge into viable growth projects.
In his remarks aimed at the youth of the UAE, Dr Al Niyadi conveyed that understanding the state’s directions and anticipating new realities and advancements, particularly in fields such as artificial intelligence and nanotechnology, would open new horizons for them, empowering them to foresee and shape the future more effectively.
A Cultural Showcase
The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair features approximately 1,500 events across three main themes: global culture and civilisational dialogue, innovation and future-making, and arts and live cultural experiences. It has welcomed exhibitors from 95 countries and a distinguished array of authors, academics, and artists from around the globe.