Sharjah24: In cooperation with the University of Sharjah and the Sharjah Academy For Astronomy, Space Sciences and Technology, Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and President of the University of Sharjah, witnessed, on Wednesday morning, the opening of the 14th Arabic Conference of the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences, which held by the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences (AUASS).

Dr. Hamid Majoul Al Nuaimi congratulated His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, Honorary President of AUASS, on the Union’s 25th anniversary.
Al Nuaimi recalled the history of the union, addressing its founders’ efforts that were translated into the union’s achievements and discoveries in space science and technology over the years.

He stated that Arab countries started focusing on astronomical activities, especially the UAE, leading to the establishment of space agencies.
He hailed the cooperation between the University of Sharjah and the Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park in developing a space science and technology system, and supporting attracting companies and investors.

The chancellor stressed the importance of adding space and astronomy science in schools’ and universities’ curriculums as a step to invest in the space sector for future prosperity.

He concluded his speech by pointing out how the conference is essential for supporting the country’s progress and efforts in space science, as its outputs will complement the UAE’s space projects.
Salem Humaid Al Marri, Director General of the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, delivered a speech in which he praised the efforts of the Sharjah Academy For Astronomy, Space Sciences, and Technology and the cooperation between the University of Sharjah and the MBRSC in preparing national teams well educated in space science, noting that 20 % of the center’s personnel are UOS’s graduates.

Al Marri revealed the launch of the “Mohamed bin Zayed Sat” satellite next year, 2024, which will be the most advanced in the region in the field of high-resolution and clarity imaging, an outcome of the outstanding expertise of the work team and cooperation with the UAE space industry sector.
Jesús Maez, a Spanish Astrobiology Center scholar, gave a presentation on modern telescopes, their types, features, and mechanisms. He went on to discuss methods of exploring stars and celestial bodies using telescopes. 
Wang Zhongmin, Director of the International Cooperation Center of the China Deep Space Exploration Center, presented the presentation, gave a presentation in which he discussed the experience of the UAE and the Arab countries with space and astronomy, praising their efforts and achievements.
He covered the Chinese experience in manufacturing satellites, the steps to manufacture them, their programmes in space exploration, space missions’ goals, and China’s moon mission in 2030.
At the end of the ceremony, Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed honoured the partners and sponsors of the conference, presenting them with commemorative shields, hailing their support in promoting space and astronomy science.
The ceremony was attended by Sheikh Mohammed bin Humaid Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Department of Statistics and Community Development; Major General Saif Al Zari Al Shamsi, Commander-in-Chief of Sharjah Police General Command; Dr. Sulaiman bin Sarhan Al Zaabi, Head of the Municipalities Affairs Department; Hussain Mohammed Al Mahmoudi, CEO of SRTIP; members of the Board of Trustees of the University of Sharjah, members of the teaching and administrative staff of the University of Sharjah, and a large number of scientists.