Latest news with #NoraAlMatrooshi
Hi Dubai
26-05-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
UAE Showcases $3.7 Billion Tech Economy at Inaugural GITEX Europe in Berlin
The UAE took centre stage at GITEX EUROPE x Ai Everything this week in Berlin, positioning itself as a global force in technology and digital investment. Held at Messe Berlin, the event drew over 1,400 exhibitors, 600 global investors, and representatives from 100+ countries, making it Europe's largest tech debut of its kind. Marking its biggest digital investment presence in Europe to date, the UAE sent 65 organisations, including government bodies, startups, and tech pioneers. The Ministry of Economy spotlighted ventures tackling global challenges—from Zeroe's carbon management tools to Responsive Drip Irrigation's self-regulating water system. The Dubai Pavilion, organised by Digital Dubai, featured 12 major public and private entities showcasing AI-powered public services. Innovations included the Dubai Dashboard, Smart Employee, and Salama—an AI-driven platform streamlining visa services. Dubai Police also presented Ghaith, an autonomous patrol car, underlining the city's commitment to future-ready governance. UAE astronauts Hazza Al Mansoori and Nora Al Matrooshi joined the delegation, with Al Mansoori discussing AI in space tech, including autonomous systems aboard the lunar gateway. Meanwhile, UAE leaders met with European officials to strengthen digital partnerships and foster cross-border tech growth. The UAE's tech sector is projected to reach $3.76 billion by 2025, according to Statista, reflecting the momentum seen at the show. Reinforcing this, an exclusive European edition of the UAE-founded Investopia summit was announced for 2026 in Berlin. The inaugural GITEX EUROPE x Ai Everything affirmed the UAE's position as a dynamic innovation hub, advancing AI, entrepreneurship, and digital economy leadership on the global stage. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Khaleej Times
21-05-2025
- Science
- Khaleej Times
UAE astronauts say humanity can achieve 'great things' when working together
The Arab world's first astronaut and its first female astronaut captivated audiences in Berlin as they spread the word about using AI in the space sector and sharing that knowledge with Europe. The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), alongside other entities in Dubai, graced the halls at Messe Berlin for GITEX EUROPE, which runs from May 21 to 23. Hazzaa Al Mansouri and Nora Al Matrooshi, two Emirati astronauts with MBRSC, spoke to Khaleej Times about their participation in GITEX Europe X AI. 'We are utilising AI and technology and analysing pictures and database that we collected from our satellites to analyse them in helping the community, agencies, sectors in Dubai and the UAE in general,' Al Mansouri said. In terms of MBRSC's impact on the European city, Al Mansouri added that 'We are here to show that we can implement technology, AI and space together and we cannot just separate them apart.' 'Specifically, at GITEX, our role here as astronauts is to showcase how technology and AI can be utilised to benefit the astronauts and utilise their time properly,' Al Matrooshi told Khaleej Times. 'Instead of having an astronaut there to control the arm and move it around, we can use AI to do that, and to have the astronaut use that time to do something else.' She said she hopes that MBRSC's participation will impact Europe's space sector in terms of accelerating the innovation and technology aspect. For her future plans, Al Matrooshi wants to train and learn more, because 'as astronauts, [we] never actually stop training. There are new tools, new equipment that are being invented each and every day and we, as end users, have to test them out,' she said. 'Our role is not only to go to space,' Al Matrooshi added. 'It's also to show that humanity as a whole, when working together, can achieve great things.' GITEX, which stands for Gulf Information Technology Exhibition, is originally an Emirati creation, but has expanded over the years into eight other countries, including Germany, Morocco, and Singapore. It kicked off back in 1981 and is currently one of the world's largest tech and startup exhibition.
Arabian Business
21-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
UAE astronauts reveal ambitious space plans at GITEX EUROPE
UAE astronauts Hazza Al Mansouri and Nora Al Matrooshi outlined the Emirates' expanding space ambitions on the sidelines of the inaugural GITEX Europe in Berlin, highlighting the nation's progress in satellite development, human spaceflight, and space-related artificial intelligence applications. Speaking to Arabian Business on Wednesday at Messe Berlin, where the first European edition of the Dubai-born technology exhibition is being held from May 21-23, the astronauts detailed how the UAE is positioning itself as both a regional and global player in space exploration and technology. UAE's expanding space capabilities 'In the UAE, we are now focusing on developing our in-house capabilities in terms of satellite development,' said Al Mansouri, who made history in 2019 as the first Emirati in space. 'We are already reaching a point where we are developing our own satellites in-house in the UAE, with Emirati engineers involved in the whole process.' Al Mansouri highlighted the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre's (MBRSC) latest satellite, where more than 90 per cent of components were built and provided by the UAE's domestic industry, spanning mechanical and electronic elements. The UAE's human spaceflight programme, established in 2017, has rapidly evolved from its first short-duration mission to more ambitious long-term goals. Following Sultan Al Neyadi's six-month mission to the International Space Station in 2023, the nation is preparing for future ventures with a sustainable approach. 'Our space programme, new space flight is a sustainable one. We are looking at really four to five years to launch an astronaut to space and different various missions,' Al Mansouri explained. A cornerstone of the UAE's space strategy is its participation in NASA's Lunar Gateway project, where the Emirates will provide a critical airlock component. 'With that partnership, with NASA and the international partners, we are going to be building the Gateway, part of Gateway, which is the airlock,' said Al Mansouri. 'The UAE is going to provide to NASA the airlock at 2030 and at that time we can launch also an astronaut with that mission.' Al Matrooshi, who in 2021 became the first female Arab astronaut, highlighted the programme's readiness approach. 'The space missions are usually decided on by our leadership. So it's not my choice on what the mission is or when it's going to be, but the goal is to be ready for each and every mission,' she told Arabian Business. 'If it's a mission to the ISS, if it's a mission to the moon, if it's a mission to Mars, the UAE astronauts will be ready for that. We are training continuously with our international partners,' Al Matrooshi added. AI revolutionises space exploration Both astronauts highlighted the growing importance of artificial intelligence in space exploration. The MBRSC is already implementing AI for analysing satellite data to aid urban planning, agriculture, and global disaster management. 'We are focusing on implementing AI with the data analysis and photos and pictures that we are taking from our satellites, and how we can help people on ground, not only in the UAE or the region, but the whole globe,' Al Mansouri said. He cited a project where AI helped count approximately four million trees in the UAE's Al Ain city to inform planning decisions. The centre has also provided satellite imagery to assist with international disaster responses, including the earthquake in Japan and flooding in Libya in recent years. Looking forward, Al Matrooshi identified lunar exploration as the next frontier for AI applications in space. 'Everyone is looking towards the moon. So I think utilising AI, for example, to select locations where humans can land on the moon, where we can start to build our permanent settlements on the moon, and then start doing the same to Mars as well.' The astronauts' presence at GITEX Europe underscores the UAE's strategy of expanding its technological footprint globally. The Dubai-born exhibition has previously launched editions in Africa and Asia before making its European debut this year. 'Taking GITEX all around the world makes it easier to reach more people, and that's what the UAE is going to be doing,' Al Matrooshi noted. 'The amount of information or collaboration that you get when you visit these types of events… it's very important to make sure that you have a presence in these types of events.' Al Mansouri echoed this sentiment, viewing the expansion as evidence of the UAE's growing technological leadership. 'That showcases that the UAE is a leading partner, also a leading entity in that sector, technology itself and AI,' he said. 'We are leading so many countries in the region, and being here in Europe, it's a proof of that… UAE is the future, UAE is the hub for AI, and definitely our impact gonna be huge in the region, and now, global.' The strong UAE presence at GITEX Europe, particularly from public sector entities, reflects the nation's coordinated push to establish itself as a key player in the global technology ecosystem while advancing its space programme as part of a broader economic diversification strategy.
Bahrain News Gazette
09-03-2025
- Science
- Bahrain News Gazette
NSSA Hosts Interactive Session with Emirati Astronauts Ahead of Bahrain's 'Al Munther' Satellite Launch
Manama: As Bahrain prepares to launch its 'Al Munther' satellite in March, the National Space Science Agency (NSSA), in collaboration with the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) in the United Arab Emirates, hosted an interactive virtual session featuring Emirati astronauts Mohammed Al Mulla and Nora Al Matrooshi. According to Bahrain News Agency, the session engaged more than 1,000 students from ten educational institutions, including universities and public and private schools across Bahrain. Discussions covered key topics such as the role of space investment in economic development, the space sector's contributions to sustainable development goals, and advancements in satellite technology, particularly the growing shift towards small and nano satellites. The session also highlighted the upcoming launch of Bahrain's Al Munther satellite, which incorporates artificial intelligence for data and image analysis, as well as Bahrain-UAE space cooperation and its impact on innovation and sustainability in the region. The astronauts emphasised the importance of scientific and technical disciplines for youth aspiring to enter the space sector, underscoring the role of ambition and knowledge in advancing this promising field. Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim Al Aseeri, CEO of the NSSA, stated that the session aligns with the directives of Lieutenant General His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, National Security Advisor, Royal Guard Commander, and Secretary General of the Supreme Defence Council. He noted that the event coincides with the NSSA's preparations for the launch of the Al Munther satellite.
Biz Bahrain
09-03-2025
- Science
- Biz Bahrain
NSSA hosts interactive session with Emirati astronauts ahead of Bahrain's "Al Munther" satellite launch
As Bahrain prepares to launch its 'Al Munther' satellite in March, the National Space Science Agency (NSSA), in collaboration with the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) in the United Arab Emirates, hosted an interactive virtual session featuring Emirati astronauts Mohammed Al Mulla and Nora Al Matrooshi. The session engaged more than 1,000 students from ten educational institutions, including universities and public and private schools across Bahrain. Discussions covered key topics such as the role of space investment in economic development, the space sector's contributions to sustainable development goals, and advancements in satellite technology, particularly the growing shift towards small and nano satellites. The session also highlighted the upcoming launch of Bahrain's Al Munther satellite, which incorporates artificial intelligence for data and image analysis, as well as Bahrain-UAE space cooperation and its impact on innovation and sustainability in the region. The astronauts emphasised the importance of scientific and technical disciplines for youth aspiring to enter the space sector, underscoring the role of ambition and knowledge in advancing this promising field. Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim Al Aseeri, CEO of the NSSA, stated that the session aligns with the directives of Lieutenant General His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, National Security Advisor, Royal Guard Commander, and Secretary General of the Supreme Defence Council. He noted that the event coincides with the NSSA's preparations for the launch of the Al Munther satellite. The initiative is part of NSSA's efforts to promote space science awareness among young people and create opportunities for students and enthusiasts to explore new frontiers in the growing space sector. BNA(R)
