Guadalajara, Mexico: The UAE Space Agency this week joined the international Astronomical Federation (IAF), a Paris-based advocacy group.
Established in 1951, the Federation aims to promote dialogue between scientists around the world.
The UAE Space Agency is currently participating in the 67th International Astronautical Congress (IAC), organised by the IAF and taking place at the Mexican city of Guadalajara.
The IAF’s more than 300 members consist of representatives from more than 66 countries. The members include space agencies, companies, universities and government bodies.
“Joining the International Astronautical Federation is in line with our efforts to strengthening the UAE’s presence within the global space sector and establishing international relations with key players in the industry,” said Khalifa Al Rumaithi, the Space Agency’s chairman.
The IAF aims to promote cooperation between experts from space agencies, industry and research and bring together experts from other nations with space programs.
Founded under a 2014 decree, the UAE Space Agency aims to develop the country’s space sector and create space policy and regulations.
The agency also wants to help foster a generation of engineers and scientists and direct national space programmes for the UAE.
Since its foundation the agency has built relationships with multiple global space industry organisations and agencies, including Nasa.
The agency has also signed deals with the national space agencies of France, Russia, Japan, China, and the United Kingdom.
