The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the UAE Space Agency, in the presence of His Excellency Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and His Excellency Dr. Khalifa Mohammed Al Rumaithi, Chairman of the Agency. Ms. Fatima Al Zaabi, Assistant Undersecretary For Institutional & Support Services of the Ministry signed the MOU on behalf of the Ministry, and Dr. Mohammed Nasser Al Ahbabi, Director -General of the UAE Space Agency, signed the MOU on behalf of the Agency. The signing of the MOU aims to sponsor a group of students to study in the field of space, in line with the UAE’s trends and within the framework of the strategic plan of the space sector in the State.

The strategic plan of the space sector in the State includes four main objectives; the first one is to organize and develop a national space sector with international standards in order to serve the national interests, contribute to the diversification of the national economy, and support the sustainable development. The second objective is to promote and support the scientific research efforts and innovations and projects in the field of space to support the scientific progress of the State and aptly put it on the global space map. The third objective is to attract and prepare national cadres to become pioneers in the field of science and the various space technologies. The fourth objective is to build and strengthen the international and global relations and partnerships in the field of space so as to contribute to the development of the national space sector, and ensure that all administrative services are provided in accordance with the quality, efficiency and transparency standards.

In line with the strategic plan of the State, which includes the space sector, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, upon the directives of the Minister, sought to cope with the State’s declaration for the establishment of the UAE Space Agency, and the launch of the first Arab probe to Mars, especially that it takes the responsibility to graduate qualified nationals cadres, to be a strong base for global competition in this area through sending them on scholarships to study at prestigious universities in the world. The Ministry adopts a plan to determine the disciplines required to meet the needs of the labor market and major projects, such as the space and nuclear energy program, in order to supply the labor market with the competencies needed, and to raise the level of higher education in its fields. In this sense, the signing of the MOU came to strengthen cooperation between the Ministry and the Agency, as the UAE Space Agency provides scholarships to national high school graduates, who meet the terms of scholarships and grants by the Ministry starting from 2015-2016, to study Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral degrees, as well as to students enrolled at the universities of various stages and disciplines, until they receive the educational qualification required. On the other hand, the Ministry, through this MOU, provides institutional support and technical and human capabilities and experience in the field of higher education, in addition to the partnerships between different sectors.

According to the MOU signed between the two parties, the Ministry will allocate a number of scholarships for national high school graduates to study aboard on an annual basis, starting from the beginning of the academic year 2015-2016, until the renewal date of the MOU, in order to complete their education in the following disciplines; Space Engineering, Aviation Engineering, Space Physics, Cosmic Physics, Robotics Engineering – Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Self-control System, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Physics, Space Law and Policies, Economics of Space, and any other disciplines set by the Agency.

In order to implement the provisions of this MOU, the Agency will help recruit the students after graduation at authorities in the State, and to facilitate that, the Ministry will provide the Agency with the data of students studying at its expense.