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Mid East Info
5 days ago
- Business
- Mid East Info
UAE Space Agency sets global standard with third CIPS Ethics Kitemark award - Middle East Business News and Information
First space agency globally to achieve the prestigious ethical procurement certification The UAE Space Agency has been awarded the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) Ethics Kitemark for the third consecutive year, maintaining its distinction as the world's first space agency to receive this international honour. The CIPS Ethics Kitemark is a globally respected standard that recognises organisations and individuals committed to upholding the highest principles of ethical behaviour and integrity in procurement and supply chain management. To be awarded the Kitemark, organisations must demonstrate that staff have completed annual ethics training and that CIPS' globally recognised code of ethics has been adopted and embedded into procurement policies and procedures. This certification reflects the UAE Space Agency's strategic commitment to transparency, good governance and global best practice as it continues to grow its role as a leader in space exploration and scientific innovation. By aligning procurement activities with international standards, the Agency is ensuring that its supplier partnerships are fair, accountable and sustainable, and that public trust is maintained in every aspect of its operations. Commenting on the achievement, Sam Achampong, Regional Director, CIPS MENA, said: 'Ethical procurement is the foundation of public trust and long-term organisational success. The UAE Space Agency's commitment to ethics, transparency, and professionalism sets a powerful example for both the public sector and the global space community. We are proud to recognise the Agency's leadership with the CIPS Ethics Kitemark for a third consecutive year.' The Ethics Kitemark also contributes to building internal capability, helping organisations identify and mitigate risk, prevent unethical conduct, and improve procurement outcomes. It is increasingly seen as a mark of assurance for stakeholders, partners, and international collaborators. In addition to its focus on ethical practice, the UAE Space Agency has invested in developing the skills and competencies of its procurement team. This includes professional development pathways such as the MCIPS (Member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply) qualification, a globally recognised standard of procurement excellence. Maha Al Mansoori, Director of the Support Services Department at the UAE Space Agency, said: 'As we pursue ambitious goals in science, technology and space exploration, we recognise that integrity must remain central to how we operate. Achieving the CIPS Ethics Kitemark for the third year running is not only a testament to our team's dedication, but also a reflection of our commitment to responsible procurement that aligns with the values of the UAE Government. We are proud to lead the way for ethical sourcing in the space sector globally.'
Al Etihad
26-05-2025
- Science
- Al Etihad
UAE hosts Artemis Accords workshop with representatives from 30 countries
26 May 2025 14:49 ABU DHABI (WAM)The UAE, represented by the UAE Space Agency, recently hosted a workshop on the Artemis Accords at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). This gathering brought together delegates from over 30 of the 55 signatory nations, reaffirming their commitment to promoting peaceful, transparent, and sustainable space workshop aims to reinforce the principles of peaceful and responsible space exploration and discuss future approaches to foster a shared commitment to transparency, information exchange, space heritage protection, and ensuring sustainability in outer space workshop focused on advancing the implementation of the Artemis Accords' principles, including non-interference, interoperability, orbital debris mitigation, scientific data sharing, registration of space objects, and outreach engaged in a tabletop exercise designed to simulate potential scenarios, fostering collaborative approaches to responsible space of Sports and Chairman of UAE Space Agency, Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, said, 'The UAE's commitment to strengthening international cooperation and fostering responsible space exploration reflects values that lie at the heart of the Artemis Accords. Through this workshop, we aim to promote a peaceful, transparent, and sustainable space for future generations.'Al Falasi added, 'As we witness the evolution of space activities, international collaboration frameworks are becoming highly essential. The Artemis Accords stand as a beacon to ensure that as humanity reaches further into space, we do so while maintaining openness, safety, and mutual respect, so space remains a domain of peace and opportunity for all.'The Abu Dhabi workshop builds upon previous meetings held in Poland (2023) and Canada (2024) to share best practices, address emerging challenges, and strengthen the collective commitment to sustainable space in 2020 by the USA with the participation of seven countries - including the UAE - the Artemis Accords are a non-binding set of principles designed to guide civil space exploration towards more sustainable and safe operations. The Artemis Accords are consistent with relevant international treaties, including the Outer Space Treaty, the Registration Convention, and the Agreement on the Rescue and Return of Astronauts.
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.
Zawya
21-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Future-Fit Seal credits Space42 for enabling UAE's next-generation geospatial infrastructure
GIQ platform developed by Space42 in partnership with the UAE Space Agency powers national space data capabilities recognized for digital readiness and operational impact Abu Dhabi – GIQ, the geospatial AI platform developed and operated by Space42, is the core digital infrastructure powering the UAE Space Data Center, which was recently awarded the prestigious Future-Fit Seal by the UAE Government Development and the Future Office. Space42, the UAE-based AI-powered SpaceTech company that seamlessly integrates satellite communications, geospatial analytics, and artificial intelligence capabilities with global reach, is a key partner in the Space Data Center initiative, reflecting a shared commitment to building national capabilities in space-based technologies and artificial intelligence. The Future-Fit Seal is awarded to exceptional federal and local government projects that demonstrate readiness to navigate future challenges through bold thinking, proactive execution, and the use of advanced technologies. The Space Data Center was recognized for its role in accelerating digital transformation, reinforcing the UAE's global competitiveness, and enabling resilient, forward-looking infrastructure. His Excellency Salem Butti Al Qubaisi, Director-General of UAE Space Agency, said: 'The Future-Fit Seal award is a qualitative addition to the national space sector's digital transformation journey. This recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to employing artificial intelligence and the latest technologies to serve national priorities.' Al Qubaisi added: 'This milestone is a testament to what we can achieve when we combine national ambition with technical expertise. The accomplishments of the Geo-Spatial Analytics Platform (GIQ) prove that space data can make a real difference in people's lives and enable organisations to make accurate and rapid decisions. This achievement also embodies the potential of effective strategic partnerships, such as the one between the UAE Space Agency Agency and Space42. This partnership seeks to develop a flexible and efficient space infrastructure to combat future challenges and promote the UAE's position as a pioneer in building a sustainable and smart space economy.' GIQ was designed and built by Space42 and now anchors one of the UAE's most strategic platforms. It is central to the company's second strategic pillar: to lead globally in geospatial intelligence platforms and services. The platform accesses data from more than 300 global satellites through integration agreements and hosts approximately 50 internally developed AI models addressing a range of applications. Since 2022, it has supported more than 30 operational use cases across environmental resilience, disaster response, urban planning, and food security. Hasan Al Hosani, CEO of Smart Solutions at Space42, said: 'We are honored to contribute to a national program that has received this recognition. GIQ was built with a clear mission: to turn space data into societal value. Whether it is supporting rapid response to floods or helping governments plan for food and water security, we see our role as enabling institutions to make better decisions, faster.' GIQ enables a range of services within the Space Data Center, including on-demand access to Earth observation data, real-time AI-powered analytics, and a dedicated marketplace for space-based applications. These services support both government and commercial use and allow for seamless integration into decision-making across critical sectors. The Space Data Center enhances the UAE's ability to manage national risks and global crises. Through the Center, the UAE has activated its membership in the International Charter on Space and Major Disasters, becoming the only Arab state participating in this global coordination mechanism. GIQ has enabled critical contributions to international humanitarian and scientific efforts, including support for natural disaster response and precision analysis for environmental protection. As part of the award submission, Space42's infrastructure and capabilities including manufacturing and satellite operations in the Space42 Lab, as well as large-scale data management were presented to demonstrate the national infrastructure supporting the Center's operational mission. This integration of digital and physical systems positions the Space Data Center as a platform for government readiness across civil, commercial, and defense domains. The Future-Fit Seal recognizes projects that are proactive, data-driven, and designed to serve long-term national priorities. The recognition of the Space Data Center reflects the strength of the partnership between the UAE Space Agency and Space42, and reinforces the UAE's leadership in building a resilient, AI-enabled space economy.
Al Etihad
19-05-2025
- Science
- Al Etihad
UAE Space Agency invests in local startups and space missions – from Mars to Asteroid Belt
20 May 2025 00:26 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI) Speaking to Aletihad on the sidelines of the Make it in the Emirates Forum (MITE) 2025, Dr. Noora Alsaeed, research scientist at the UAE Space Agency, and currently a science project investigator for the Emirates Mars Mission and a co-investigator on the Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt, highlighted the growing role of Emirati-led innovation and talent development across the national space ecosystem. "We have a booth here at Make it in the Emirates to showcase the projects supported through the space economic zones," she explained."They are all UAE-based startups with the vision to apply their technologies to space; whether they are using space data, offering services for the space sector, or building something destined to go into orbit."These startups, as Dr. Alsaeed mentioned, are being provided with a platform by the Space Agency, which connects them to local and international events and projects."We support them, but we also have our own flagship missions like the Emirates Mars Mission, which continues to be a key focus."Dr. Alsaeed elaborated on the ambitious Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt, set for launch in 2028 with a seven-year exploration phase that will study seven main belt asteroids."It is a very complex mission. We passed our Critical Design Review (CDR) in February. Alhamdulillah, we are on track for the 2028 launch," Dr. she added."It is an opportunity to train Emiratis to lead in space: from spacecraft systems engineering and manufacturing to science leadership and mission operations."Dr. Alsaeed noted that these missions are essential to national capacity building."What is beautiful about these missions is that they train Emiratis to lead interplanetary projects; something that is far more complex than satellite operations."She cited some of the ongoing Earth-orbiting missions like the Satellite 813; a hyperspectral mission being constructed by the UAE in partnership with 7 Arab countries, with an Emirati as the principal investigator at UAE-based National Space Science and Technology Centre (NSSTC) in Al Ain."It is exciting to see such regional collaboration, and many of the partners involved are here at the forum showcasing their work."She added: "Capability development is one of our primary goals. We have a dedicated unit at the Space Agency that focuses on building Emirati talent and supporting UAE-based companies. "The space sector is multidisciplinary; when you develop one person in this field, you're also developing skills in AI, mechanical engineering, computer science, satellite imagery and more."Looking to the future, Dr. Alsaeed added that the next major step for enhancing national expertise will be the upcoming Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt."This is designed to be a mission where Emiratis lead; whether it is engineers, scientists, or UAE-based companies like TII (Technology Innovation Institute), which is developing the lander," she said. "The aim is to build local capability and integrate Emiratis into all aspects of space exploration." Make it in the Emirates Continue full coverage
