Latest news with #AlQubaisi
Al Etihad
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Al Etihad
Artist Azza Al Qubaisi: Liwa Date Festival is an opportunity to reconnect with UAE heritage
20 July 2025 23:00 MAYS IBRAHIM (LIWA CITY)For visual artist and designer Azza Al Qubaisi, the Liwa Date Festival is more than a harvest celebration; it is a conscious act of cultural preservation and remembrance. For over two decades, she has returned, blending desert stories, ancestral echoes and modern artistry into works that speak of who she is and where she comes from Al Qutuf, Al Dhafra, Al-Qubaisi views the festival as an opportunity to reconnect with her heritage and to reflect the evolving identity of the UAE through her contemporary artistic creations. "This festival is not about selling or marketing my products," she told Aletihad. "It is about saying I belong. I am here to present my identity." At this year's festival, Al Qubaisi is exhibiting a range of works that fuse traditional Emirati elements with modern design. Among them are chairs made from palm fronds, artistic pieces inspired by the desert landscape, and silver and gold accessories shaped like the Emirati burqa, traditionally worn by women in the region.A highlight of her exhibit is the design of the festival's award trophies, which incorporate palm frond motifs and, for the first time this year, feature one of Liwa's iconic castles. She also designed the rutab (fresh date) hangers used across the festival – pieces that turn functional objects into cultural statements."I don't like to see things without design and intention," she said. "We have a wealth of ideas and creativity. I like to make sure our traditional motifs are part of our everyday experiences."Al Qubaisi's work is inspired by the UAE's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan's words: "A nation without a past is a nation without a present or a future." She channels this philosophy into each of her creations, transforming heritage elements into pieces that are both visually compelling and culturally significant."My goal is to reflect my identity through my artworks, and at the same time present and preserve it for the future," she said. "A simple object like a hanger can become a visual connection for children, something that carries emotion, history and identity."Arabic calligraphy is another signature feature of Al Qubaisi's work. By incorporating letters into her designs, she hopes to inspire a renewed appreciation for the Arabic language among younger of her pieces are produced locally, and collaboration remains central to her artistic philosophy. This year, she is working with fellow Emirati artist Moosa Al Halyan, who contributed illustrations on palm stalks for a joint exhibition."I always try to move away from 'me' and focus on 'we.' Collaborating with other artists helps develop the local artistic experience and contributes to a shared cultural vision," she said. "As individuals and institutions, we must give and create together."
Broadcast Pro
23-05-2025
- Business
- Broadcast Pro
UAE Space Agency concludes participation at Make it in the Emirates 2025
During the forum, the Agency reviewed its key projects, namely the Space Economic Zones Programme. The UAE Space Agency concluded its participation in the Make it in the Emirates event, which was held at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, from May 19 to 22. The event was hosted by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology and organised by the ADNEC Group in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, and ADNOC. Participating alongside more than 500 exhibiting companies from 12 key sectors, as well as leading government officials, industry pioneers, global investors, and technology innovators, the Agency reviewed its strategic achievements and pioneering projects that highlight its vital role in advancing the national space economy and enhancing the UAEs global competitiveness in scientific research, advanced technologies, and space exploration. In addition, the Agency explored opportunities to strengthen collaboration, exchange expertise, and expand strategic partnerships with both local and international participants. His Excellency Salem Butti Al Qubaisi, Director-General of UAE Space Agency, said: 'This event presents a strategic opportunity to highlight the UAEs achievements in the space sector and to broaden partnerships between space and industrial entities, within a unified national framework that supports localisation, empowers Emirati talent, and accelerates the transfer of knowledge and advanced technologies.' Al Qubaisi added: 'Through our participation, we aim to highlight the Agency's efforts in transforming space innovation into a tangible development driver, supporting the nation's vision for building a sustainable economy and enhancing its global competitiveness.' The UAE Space Agency team introduced visitors to the Space Economic Zones Programme, which aims to create an attractive and integrated business environment that meets local and global needs. The team highlighted the programmes role in supporting startups, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and enhancing the competitiveness of companies operating in the national space economy. They also showcased the major economic incentives and initiatives offered by the program. Participating with the UAE Space Agencys from the Space Economic Zones were Four Earth Intelligence Environmental Consulting LLC, QuantCube Technology, AlienSense, Third Body Dynamics, and Madari Space. The UAE Space Agency also showcased the Emirates Mars Mission (EMM) with a full-scale model of the Hope Probe, highlighting how it embodies the UAE leadership's vision of building a future based on knowledge and innovation. The project was developed by local talents in collaboration with international partners and contained several components developed by Emirati engineers. Since its arrival at Mars, the Hope Probe has produced several terabytes of data, distributed via the Science Data Center, that provide a unique view of the Martian Atmosphere. The data from EMM has resulted in numerous contributions to the global scientific community, publishing nearly 40 research papers in prestigious international scientific journals. On the sidelines of the event, Al Qubaisi joined a panel discussion titled Advanced Technologies and Space Manufacturing: New Horizons for the UAE's Industrial Ecosystem. The panel discussed leveraging advanced technology and space manufacturing to reshape global supply chains and achieve quantum leaps in medicine, energy, and communications. The session also addressed challenges in infrastructure, investment, and capacity building, as well as the importance of integrating the space sector and advanced manufacturing to drive economic growth and scientific innovation. The UAE Space Agency's participation in Make it in the Emirates forum reflects its unwavering commitment to supporting the national drive to localise advanced industries, most notably space industries. Through its participation, the Agency seeks to foster cooperation with local and international partners and highlight promising investment opportunities in the space sector. This contributes to empowering the private sector, driving innovation, and expanding the space economy's contribution to the UAEs non-oil GDP.
Gulf Today
09-05-2025
- Science
- Gulf Today
Arab Satellite team concludes System Integration Review
In line with the UAE's ambitious vision to lead and strengthen Arab cooperation in the space sector, the Arab Satellite 813 programme team has successfully concluded the System Integration Review (SIR), a pivotal milestone in the satellite's lifecycle, confirming the satellite's readiness to proceed to the final stages of environmental testing. The review, conducted with the participation of senior leadership from the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), experts from the UAE Space Agency, and representatives from several technical entities, involved a comprehensive evaluation of subsystem readiness, final design verification, thermal and mechanical test plans, as well as confirmation of the successful integration between the payload and the platform. Salem Butti Al Qubaisi, Director-General of UAE Space Agency, said, 'The Arab Satellite 813 Project reflects the UAE's commitment to fostering joint Arab action in the space sector and its strategic vision to reinforce the region's position in advanced space industries. It also supports leading initiatives that unite Arab efforts and open new horizons for youth and Arab scientists and researchers.' Al Qubaisi added, 'We believe that Arab cooperation in scientific fields is the foundation for building a future built on knowledge and innovation. This new achievement will certainly enhance Arab countries' ability to develop space solutions that support environmental sustainability and comprehensive development.' Al Qubaisi continued, 'Space is a powerful and a strategic tool for building a diversified economy. Enabling local and Arab talents to lead qualitative global projects is the result of a long-term vision that invests in youth, science, and regional integration. The UAE will continue to support every Arab project that reflects our common ambitions and strengthens our position in the future knowledge-based economy.' On the other hand, Ali Al Shehhi, Director of the National Space Science and Technology Center (NSSTC), said, 'The completion of the SIR for the Arab Satellite 813 is more than a technical achievement, it is a defining moment in our region's journey towards space self-reliance and scientific leadership.' Al Shehhi added, 'This milestone reaffirms the UAE's commitment to enabling Arab collaboration in space, and to harnessing advanced technologies for environmental monitoring, knowledge transfer, and sustainable development. We are proud to lead a programme that carries regional purpose and global potential.' Furthermore, Eiman Al Shamsi, programme Manager of the 813 Project, said, 'Today marks a pivotal milestone in the journey of the Arab Satellite 813 programme. The successful completion of the System Integration Review confirms that both the satellite and the NSSTC Assembly, Integration, and Testing (AIT) facilities are fully prepared for the final phases of integration and environmental testing.' Al Shamsi continued, 'This achievement reflects the dedication and technical excellence of our team, the strength of our strategic partnerships, and our collective commitment to a mission that advances scientific research, supports education, and contributes to the growth of the national space sector.' The Arab Satellite 813 Project is the first space cooperation project between the Arab countries led by the UAE. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, announced Satellite 813 as a present to the Arab Space Cooperation Group at the Global Space Conference, in light of signing the charter of establishment. The UAE Space Agency funds and supervises the project, while the National Space Science and Technology Centre in the UAE University leads the execution of the project in collaboration with members of the Arab Space Cooperation Group. The project will assist in environmental mapping and monitoring, archiving phenomena as well as identifying natural resources, studying land cover dynamics and crop conditions, analysing internal water quality and spread, evaluating land erosion and soil pollution versus climate, mining site conditions, in addition to geological exploration and detection of rare earth minerals (RE), and essential minerals. WAM
Broadcast Pro
01-05-2025
- Business
- Broadcast Pro
UAE and Egypt sign MoU to strengthen space cooperation
The MoU sets a long-term framework for civil space cooperation, including shared expertise, research, and joint projects aligned with both nations' sustainable development goals. The United Arab Emirates and Egypt have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen cooperation in space activities for peaceful purposes, marking a significant milestone in regional space collaboration. The agreement, signed between the UAE Space Agency and the Egyptian Space Agency, was formalised on the sidelines of the NewSpace Africa Conference and the 11th Meeting of the Arab Space Cooperation Group, held in Cairo. Leading the UAE delegation was Eng. Salem Butti Al Qubaisi, Director-General of the UAE Space Agency, who also attended the inauguration of the African Space Agency headquarters on April 20, 2025. The event brought together prominent space leaders, ministers, and officials from across Africa, emphasising the continent's growing role in global space development. Al Qubaisi hailed the MoU as a pivotal step in advancing Arab cooperation in the space sector. He highlighted the UAEs belief in space as a strategic platform for achieving sustainable development, fostering innovation, and encouraging knowledge exchange to address regional and global challenges. He noted that the agreement reflects the shared vision between the UAE and Egypt to invest in human capital, localise scientific expertise and build a resilient, innovation-led economy. The agreement outlines a broad framework for long-term collaboration in civil space initiatives. Areas of focus include Earth observation, satellite communication, remote sensing, space situational awareness, navigation and timing systems, remote asset management, and research in emerging space technologies. It also supports the exchange of technical knowledge, joint development of space projects and alignment with the sustainable development goals of both nations. The UAE Space Agency emphasised that the MoU with Egypt fits within the broader UAE vision of being a reliable regional and global player in the space sector. It demonstrates the countrys commitment to strengthening ties with Arab nations, promoting scientific advancement and leveraging space technologies for community service and future resilience. By joining forces with Egypt, the UAE adds another key partner to its expanding network of international space collaborations, reinforcing its commitment to peaceful space exploration and shared technological progress for generations to come.
Hi Dubai
30-04-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
UAE Space Agency signs MoU with Egypt to boost peaceful space collaboration
The UAE Space Agency has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Egyptian Space Agency to enhance cooperation in civil space activities for peaceful purposes, marking a major step in regional collaboration on science, technology, and sustainable development. The agreement was signed during the UAE delegation's participation in the NewSpace Africa conference and the 11th meeting of the Arab Space Cooperation Group, both held in Cairo. The delegation, led by Eng. Salem Butti Al Qubaisi, Director-General of the UAE Space Agency, also attended the inauguration of the African Space Agency headquarters on April 20. Al Qubaisi described the MoU as a milestone in Arab space cooperation, highlighting the UAE's strategic commitment to knowledge exchange, innovation, and the use of space technologies to address global challenges. The partnership outlines a long-term framework for cooperation in research, technology exchange, and joint projects. Key areas of collaboration include Earth observation, navigation systems, space situational awareness, and advanced technologies, all aimed at supporting national development goals. The agreement reflects the UAE's broader ambition to build a competitive, knowledge-based economy and strengthen its role as a trusted regional and international partner in the space sector. It also reinforces the UAE's commitment to expanding strategic partnerships across the Arab world. By joining forces with Egypt, the UAE aims to empower national talent, promote scientific research, and contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future through space-based solutions. News Source: Emirates News Agency
