MBRSC showcases UAE's space industry capabilities at 'Make it in the Emirates 2025'
18 May 2025 18:28
DUBAI (ALETIHAD) As part of its participation at Make it in the Emirates 2025, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) is spotlighting MBZ-SAT, the most advanced satellite in the region, as a unique model for space-driven industrial growth, innovation, and collaboration.The milestone mission, which was launched into space on January 14 this year, highlights the UAE's growing capabilities in cutting-edge satellite technology and stands as a testament to the country's vision of becoming a global hub for advanced manufacturing and space technology.The MBRSC stand at the event showcases a full-scale Qualification Model of MBZ-SAT and locally developed components from MBZ-SAT, including the aluminium honeycomb panel, frame structure, reaction wheel bracket, electronic box, and harness — all developed in close partnership with UAE-based entities.The stand also features a model of the Rashid Rover, further symbolising the Centre's contributions to lunar exploration and the wider space economy.Salem Humaid AlMarri, Director-General, MBRSC, said, 'At MBRSC, we take pride in working alongside local partners to manufacture and integrate advanced components that meet the rigorous standards of space. The development of MBZ-SAT stands as a clear example of how collaboration between local entities can produce world-class results, elevate local manufacturing capabilities, and contribute to a thriving industrial ecosystem. "Our participation at Make it in the Emirates reinforces our belief in the power of sovereign capabilities and innovation-driven growth. Through initiatives like these, we are not only shaping the future of space exploration but also actively supporting the UAE's broader vision of building a resilient, knowledge-based economy, rooted in technology, sustainability, and global competitiveness.'MBZ-SAT, fully developed by Emirati engineers, represents a new era for the UAE's space sector, with 90% of its mechanical components and a significant portion of its electronic systems sourced from UAE-based companies. Local entities such as Strata, EPI, Rockford Xellerix, HALCON, Falcon, and Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) contributed advanced components, expertise, and solutions, demonstrating the strength of the nation's private sector in delivering world-class aerospace technology.The project has driven significant economic growth by creating opportunities for UAE companies to participate in the high-tech manufacturing and space technology sectors. This collaboration has facilitated the transfer of critical knowledge and skills, ensuring that the UAE continues to build a sustainable and innovative aerospace ecosystem.The satellite's development further aligns with the UAE's vision of establishing a diversified knowledge-based economy while setting benchmarks for excellence in the global space sector.EPI and HALCON, subsidiaries of EDGE Group, were instrumental in the development and assembly of critical components for MBZ-SAT. EPI focused on precision engineering, delivering high-quality parts and components, while HALCON specialised in the assembly of printed circuit boards and software-related components.Dr. Mohammed Alahbabi, Senior Advisor for the Space and Cyber Technologies Cluster, EDGE, said, 'EDGE, one of the world's leading advanced technology and defence groups, is immensely proud to contribute to the UAE's national space missions. Starting with the Emirates Mars Mission and more recently with MBZ-SAT, our companies have played a vital role. EPI has provided over 100 high-quality parts and components, while HALCON has made significant contributions in the areas of PCBs and software-related components. "These contributions stand as a testament to the advanced technological capabilities and quality standards achieved by the UAE's industrial ecosystem. At EDGE, we remain committed to driving innovation and supporting the advancement of the UAE's space sector in collaboration with the UAE Space Agency, MBRSC, and other national space entities."Ismail Ali Abdulla, Executive Director of UAE Clusters unit within Mubadala's UAE Investments platform and Managing Director of Strata Manufacturing, emphasised that Strata's contribution to the manufacturing of components for MBZ-SAT represents significant step in the 'Make it in the UAE' initiative. This aligns with the vision of focus on advancing local capabilities in aerospace and space industries while fostering global and national partnerships to elevate the UAE's position in the space sector.'Strata was a key contributor in the development of MBZ-SAT by producing mechanical and flat components and equipping it with high-grade aluminium panels designed to withstand extreme temperatures and radiation in space,' he said.Abdulla also underscored the trust exemplified by MBRSC through its partnership with Strata and other national and local companies that have left their mark on the development of the most advanced satellite in the region.He further added, 'This trust is rooted in the reputation and stature of these companies, which have become benchmarks in manufacturing, innovation, and technological progress. Their contributions stand as a testament to the UAE's visionary leadership and its dedication to achieving economic diversification, strengthening global competitiveness, and cementing the nation's position as a leader in advanced industries.'Meanwhile, EGA had supplied MBRSC with CelestiAL solar aluminium, the world's first aluminium produced using solar power. The metal was formed into critical parts for MBZ-SAT by a local EGA partner company.Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer, EGA, said, 'Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre's use of EGA's CelestiAL solar aluminium for MBZ-SAT shows how sustainable innovation is shaping the future of both space technology and our nation's industrial ecosystem. EGA was the first company in the world to produce aluminium commercially using solar power, significantly reducing emissions. We are proud that EGA's solar aluminium is now heading to the stars.'Falcon Group of Companies also played a key role in the development of several mechanical components for MBZ-SAT, utilising advanced materials to meet the exacting demands of the satellite.Prabhu Badrinathen, CEO, Falcon Group of Companies, said, 'We are proud to partner with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre in manufacturing high-quality mechanical precision components right here in the UAE. This collaboration highlights our commitment to excellence and innovation, ensuring that all components meet the stringent standards required for space missions. By leveraging our expertise in precision engineering, we aim to contribute significantly to the UAE's vision of becoming a global leader in space exploration and reinforce the nation's position as a leader in advanced manufacturing.'Rockford Xellerix further played a critical role in the development of embedded systems and wiring solutions for MBZ-SAT, contributing to the mission through their expertise in advanced engineering and precision manufacturing.Speaking about their collaboration with MBRSC, Nauman Arshad, Founder and CTO, Rockford Xellerix, said, 'We are proud to have contributed to the MBZ-SAT mission, undertaking all the wire harnessing for this critical system in collaboration with MBRSC. It is an honour to be part of such a significant programme, one that is propelling the UAE to the forefront of technology and space exploration for the advancement of humankind.'
MBRSC's presence at Make it in the Emirates 2025 reflects a broader national drive to position the UAE as a pioneer in high-value, knowledge-based industries. Through strategic partnerships and an innovation-first approach, MBZ-SAT has served as a catalyst for empowering local manufacturing, enhancing self-reliance, and redefining the future of Emirati industry.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
an hour ago
- Khaleej Times
Study abroad criteria for UAE students: All you need to know
The UAE's Council for Education, Human Resources, and Community Development has approved a set of standards and regulations governing the enrollment of Emirati students in higher education institutions abroad. These standards require students to enrol in internationally recognised universities and academic programmes, ensuring the quality of academic qualifications and their alignment with the needs of the national labour market and future development directions. For students currently pursuing their studies abroad, they can adjust their status in accordance with the newly adopted criteria. To ensure fairness and account for special cases, especially students studying abroad, Emirati students continuing their education overseas, whether self-funded or sponsored, will have a one-year grace period from the date this decision takes effect to adjust their academic status. This was announced during a virtual media briefing on Wednesday. New adjustments Speaking to Khaleej Times, Dr Mohamed Ebrahim AlMualla, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, clarified that the decision applies to all citizens wishing to study abroad or those already on scholarships to pursue education outside the UAE. This is regardless of whether they are sponsored by official entities, self-funded, or nominated by their employers. The decision applies to all levels of higher education, from diploma to PhD, and encompasses professional qualifications equivalent to these academic degrees. AlMualla explained, 'There are two categories of students currently studying abroad. The first category includes those who meet the criteria, and they are only required to ensure that their current university and major fall within the approved standards.' 'As for the second category, which does not meet the criteria, they have two options: the first is to adjust their academic path by switching to another major within the same university — if that major is classified or meets the criteria — or to transfer to another university that does meet the criteria.' He confirmed that the Ministry will provide the necessary support to students in the process of adjusting their status, by guiding them to universities that meet the standards and assisting them through embassies and cultural attachés abroad, enabling them to make the required changes. AlMualla also added that students may apply for an exemption through the Ministry's website. The exemption request will be referred to the Exemptions Committee, chaired by the Council for Education, Human Resources, and Community Development, which will review the applications and decide whether to grant the exemption or request that the student adjust their academic situation. He stated, 'Today, we are announcing a decision that reflects the UAE's commitment to regulating the education of its citizens abroad to ensure they receive high-quality education in line with the best global standards. Studying abroad is an investment by the student, the sponsoring entity, and the employer if the student is employed. It is also an investment of the student's own time and effort. Therefore, this investment must be properly placed, and this is what the decision seeks to ensure.' He explained that the decision is based on rigorous global university rankings. Students are required to enroll in the top 50 universities for their major, or among the top 100 universities in countries with high student populations, such as the United States and Australia, and up to the top 300 universities in non-English-speaking countries — an approach aimed at promoting both academic and cultural diversity. He elaborated, 'We rely on two primary rankings: the overall university ranking and the specific major ranking. Students must be enrolled in a university ranked within the top 100, 200, or 300, depending on the country, and in a major that falls within the approved rankings. As for exemptions, they are received through the Ministry and forwarded to the committee chaired by the Education Council." The Council emphasised the importance of adhering to the specified standards to avoid non-recognition of degrees obtained from abroad. Failure to meet the criteria may affect the use of such qualifications for employment, promotion, study leave, exam leave, thesis defense, or qualification-based benefits within the federal government sector in the UAE. Also, the Ministry's website offers services related to the recognition of higher education qualifications, providing a set of digital tools to help users make informed decisions. These tools include a search service for approved study programmes, a list of eligible universities and majors, and an online platform for submitting exemption requests. These services are available to all students, parents, and sponsoring institutions.
Al Etihad
an hour ago
- Al Etihad
Majra – National CSR Fund honours top 20 CSR projects at inaugural Sustainable Impact Challenge 2025
4 June 2025 20:46 SHARJAH (ALETIHAD)Majra – National CSR Fund recognised the top three winning projects and honoured 17 other initiatives shortlisted for the inaugural edition of Sustainable Impact Challenge 2025, during a prestigious awards ceremony held at the SEE Institute in The Sustainable City, under the patronage and in the presence of Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Chairman of Majra's Board of Trustees, alongside prominent figures, such as Hessa Bint Essa Buhumaid, Director General of the Community Development Authority, the event celebrated innovative initiatives that created tangible impact in the nation's sustainability landscape. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri said: 'The UAE is deeply committed toward developing national strategies and programs that uphold social responsibility and encourage sustainable practices across all sectors. At Majra, we are pleased to play a key role in this effort by fostering collaboration and building strong partnerships with the private sector."The launch of the first edition of the Sustainable Impact Challenge, which will be held annually, reflects our mission to instil corporate CSR values and nurture a culture of sustainable development. Through this initiative, we aim to support impactful private sector projects that align with the national agenda, contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and promote responsible business practices. This is in line with our broader commitment to shaping a more resilient and sustainable future in accordance with the 'We the UAE 2031' vision.'The Sustainable Impact Challenge is a national platform designed to identify and celebrate outstanding CSR initiatives led by private sector companies, third-sector organisations, universities, and other institutions. It reflects Majra's firm dedication to empowering these vital contributors and directing their efforts toward sustainable recognising impactful initiatives, the Challenge further supports the UAE's broader national drive to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and promotes the adoption of CSR and sustainability practices across all major her speech, Hessa Buhumaid affirmed the pivotal role played by Majra through the launching of such CSR initiatives and the identification of effective private sector leadership that would enhance social impact. She highlighted the importance of this Challenge as the first initiative showcasing projects with significant environmental, economic, and social impact in conjunction with the prestigious 'Year of Community' Minister praised the efforts of the third sector in providing valuable contributions and actively tackling social, environmental, and economic top three winners included HeroGo, for its project 'Empowering the GCC to access better quality and more affordable groceries while eliminating food waste'; Thiqa Education's '1 Dirham makes an impact' initiative; and Distant Imagery Solutions' 'Rooted in Innovation UAE Engineered Drones Transform Mangrove Restoration' the winners were awarded a total cash prize of Dh600,000 in recognition of their exceptional contributions to sustainable development in the other shortlisted sustainability initiatives were acknowledged for their outstanding efforts and given the opportunity to showcase their project outcomes. Sarah Shaw, CEO of Majra, said: 'We are delighted to identify and honour the innovative, impactful projects through the Sustainable Impact Challenge 2025. These initiatives highlight the pivotal role of private sector firms in driving sustainable change. At Majra, we look forward to relentlessly supporting such efforts that contribute to the UAE's vision for a sustainable, inclusive and resilient future.'On the sidelines of the event, several sessions and meetings were held to reinforce Majra's lead role in fostering sustainability in various industries. A key session at the event featured Abdullah Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy and Vice Chairman of Majra's Board of Trustees, along with undersecretaries from five ministries to discuss the main challenges that hinder the advancement of social responsibility in the issues highlighted included the lack of opportunities that encourage private sector involvement, ongoing environmental hurdles and ways to find adequate solutions, and the need for stronger regulatory frameworks that require organisations to implement CSR key session titled, 'The Role of Public, Private and Third Sector in Developing an Impact Economy,' explored the importance of cross-sector collaboration in building a sustainable economy. The panel featured thought leaders including Dr. Habiba Al Marashi, Chairperson and Co-Founder, Emirates Environmental Group, Chandran Nair, Founder and CEO, Global Institute For Tomorrow (GIFT) and Maysa Al Nowais, Executive Director – Community Engagement and Volunteering, Social Contributions Authority – Ma'an. The session was moderated by Mohammed Hanif Al event also hosted the inaugural meeting of the Fashion Sustainability Taskforce, held in the presence of Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri. The meeting laid the groundwork for future collaboration, and set the direction for a unified roadmap to promote sustainability within the fashion industry. The Sustainable Impact Challenge 2025 stands as a testament to Majra's unwavering commitment towards establishing a thriving ecosystem that encourages and supports CSR initiatives in line with the UAE's strategic development goals. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
Dubai Eye
an hour ago
- Dubai Eye
UAE, Kuwait sign multiple agreements to boost cooperation
The UAE and Kuwait have signed a comprehensive set of agreements aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation across sectors including AI, health, energy, education, defence and diplomacy. The agreements were formalised at Kuwait's Bayan Palace during the official visit of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court of the UAE. In the defence sector, UAE's EDGE Group signed a AED9 billion (US$2.45 billion) contract with Kuwait's Ministry of Defence for the acquisition of 'Falaj 3' class missile boats. It represents the largest naval shipbuilding export in the region and ranks among the most valuable naval exports globally. Additionally, Kuwait Real Estate Company, through its subsidiary IFA Hotels and Resorts, signed a AED198 million contract with UAE-based Darwish Engineering to execute infrastructure works for the Al Tay Hills residential project in Sharjah. Another agreement saw Kuwait Investment Authority joining the Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure Partnership along with MGX, BlackRock, Global Infrastructure Partners, and Microsoft, to boost AI infrastructure investment. The newly signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) also cover health, diplomacy, road and land transport infrastructure, social development, advanced technology, education, oil and gas, energy and investment. Several MoUs also address cooperation in combating human trafficking, legal cooperation, data protection and information exchange in joint security initiatives. These agreements reflect a shared commitment to expanding bilateral relations and fostering sustainable economic and technological development in both countries.
