“We aim for the UAE to be among the top countries in aerospace by 2021,” Sheikh Khalifa has said. “We have a great belief in the talents of our young people and the strongest determination, the greatest ambitions and a clear plan to reach our targets.”
Abu Dhabi's Ruler and President of United Arab Emirates - His Highness Sheikh Khalifa stated about the vision of having UAE as one of the top countries for aerospace race.
He formally signed a law establishing the UAE Space Agency. The announcement was made in July 2014.
The United Arab Emirates joined the ranks of the United
States, Japan, China and India in working on projects and missions to the red
planet as it announced the creation of its own space agency and intention to
send an unmanned mission to the red planet by 2021.
The law, which was published in the Official Gazette, stated
that the agency would have its headquarters in Abu Dhabi and have a branch in
Dubai.
The initial meeting of the UAE Space Agency was held in July
and was led by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai,
who directed all government institutions to provide maximum support.
The unmanned probe prject will travel in nine months and will be launched to coincide with the UAE’s 50th
anniversary.
