Author: Web Desk

DUBAI, As part of the UAE University’s (UAEU) participation in Expo 2020 Dubai, the National Space ?Science and Technology Centre (NSSTC) and ?College of Science co-organised a series of events ?and activities during “Space Week” from 17th to 27th October, 2021.

The activities ?included workshops and events to ?showcase research and development in various ?areas of astronomy and space sciences, with students, faculty members and ?visitors ?participating. ? Prof. Ahmed Murad, Deputy Commissioner-?General of the UAEU Pavilion at Expo 2020 and Associate Provost for Research, explained that the ?NSSTC and College of Science “Space Week” ?activities were organised in conjunction with the ?Space Week, one of the ten thematic weeks ?organised by Expo 2020 Dubai under the theme of ??”Man and Planet Earth Programme”. It discusses the benefits, solutions, and challenges of ?exploring beyond the planet’s orbit and the ?opportunities for exploration and the development ?of space science?.? ?”In the backdrop of the emergence and rapid ?growth of the UAE’s Space Sector, the UAE?U’s collaboration with various country ?pavilions, resulting in its active participation in several Space Week events is a ?testament of the university’s contribution to the ?development of Space Science and Technology R&D ?and Education ecosystem and its ?commitment to help stimulate globally recognised ?space-related activities in the country,” Dr. Aquib ?Moin, Associate Professor of Physics, UAEU. ? The UAEU pavilion conducted three ?activities on research and development in radio ?astronomy in collaboration with Curtin ?University, Australia. Held at the Australia Pavilions, they included discussions on ?innovative sensor systems, ground infrastructure ?for radio astronomy and space science ?observations and measurements, emerging ?technologies, collaborative multi-station ?operations, academic and technological research ?and development, public awareness, and ?prospects?.? The French pavilion hosted an event on “Remote ?Sensing and Earth Observation and Workshop”, ?to showcase current research ?and development in remote sensing and ?earth observation. The event featured talks and ?discussions on topics related to remote sensing and ?earth observation. As part of the event, the NSSTC ?experts conducted a ??”workshop” on earth observation with high-?resolution imagery.?? ? The “Education in Space Science and Technology: A ?road to youth empowerment” event focused on the ?strategic importance and the various elements of ?the academic knowledge required to support the ?rapidly growing global space sector. “?Human Spaceflight and Robotic Space ?Exploration” aimed to highlight the excitement and ?scientific value of manned space missions and ?introduce the audience to various aspects such as ?the astronaut’s experience, the possibility of ?discovery, and the importance of human presence ?in outer space?.?? The ?Switzerland pavilion hosted these events.? Under a collaboration between the NSSTC, College ?of Science, UAEU and the Intercultural and ?Communications Institute (ISIT), France, several activities were conducted with liberal arts and sciences students to explore space in ?the shape of a multi-faceted cultural and scientific ?event. A French art and space documentary: “Inner ?Telescope”, presented the deployment of ?artwork at the International Space Station. The ?France pavilion hosted these events.?

Source: Emirates News Agency

DUBAI, Dubai Startup Hub, an initiative of Dubai Chamber, and Dubai Technology Entrepreneurs Campus (Dtec), a Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority wholly-owned entity, recently concluded the second edition of the Emirati Development Programme, which saw Sherina Al Sowaidi of Liftoff named the winner of this year’s programme competition.

Al Sowaidi competed with 26 other start-ups during the final stage of the programme. The finalists, who presented their smart business concepts to an expert panel, are now eligible to start and launch their businesses with support and guidance. She will receive additional business acceleration support from the organisers, including joining a Dtec programme for start-ups for a year to receive training, guidance and mentorship.

The programme offers participants access to internship opportunities with leading companies from the private sector, including DHL; Oliver Wyman, and International Consultant Law Office (ICLO); complimentary company setup with Dtec; Complimentary 3-month access to Dtec co-working; as well as the opportunity to exhibit at Expo 2020 Dubai.

Hans Christensen, Vice President of Dtec, said, “Our collaboration with Dubai Chamber on the Emirati Development Programme follows a series of joint initiatives between the two entities. It is also in line with the strategies of Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority and Dtec to instil an entrepreneurial culture, especially in promising tech sectors that have gained traction recently with the spread of new digital-based work, education, and communication cultures.”

Since SMEs make up 94 percent of the companies operating in the UAE and employ more than 86 percent of the country’s workforce, the Emirati Development Programme will reflect positively on the national economy.

Hans highlighted the fact that the joint efforts of Dtec and Dubai Chamber support entrepreneurs and innovators to establish flexible start-ups that can attract investments and funding, helping them launch and expand.

Natalia Sycheva, Senior Manager of Special Projects and Entrepreneurship, Dubai Chamber, noted that the Emirati Development Programme is a key strategy of the chamber’s efforts to support entrepreneurship, talents and innovative ideas from the Emirati youth. It contributes to establishing a new generation of entrepreneurs who can achieve their goals and business ideas successfully, she added.

The participants also took part in training sessions covering various topics of interest, which was led by experts from Dtec; LinkedIn; International Consultant Law Office (ICLO); Intelligent Finance Consultants (IFC); LPS Brands; and Think Media Labs (TMLs). The training focused on establishing and promoting the growth of technology businesses, the importance of sales to emerging entrepreneurs and how to develop and present an effective investor pitch presentation.

Source: Emirates News Agency

DUBAI, The UAE Cyber Security Council has announced a strategic partnership with Intersec, the world-leading emergency services, security and safety event, to introduce the first ever Cyber Security Lab at the global event running from 16th to 18th January 2022.

The 23rd edition of the flagship event has the theme of “Uniting the world’s leading industry specialists for the safety and security of future generations”.

The new Cyber Security Lab was developed to focus on investigative techniques, forensic capabilities, and public-private partnerships to prevent cross border digital terrorism.

Intersec’s elevated programme is reaching new heights in 2022 and will include cybersecurity as one of the many new additions taking centre stage as part of the event. Intersec’s innovation and technology focus is introducing the Cyber Security Lab to enable global and regional industry leaders to discuss critical aspects of the industry in a dynamic, knowledge exchange platform.

Highlighting its importance, Mohammed Hamad Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government and Head of the UAE Cyber Security Council, will be inaugurating the Cyber Lab conference.

Al Kuwaiti said, “The Cyber Security Council aims, during its participation in the global event, to shed light on the UAE’s innovative and advanced initiatives in cybersecurity and the country’s efforts to establish effective global partnerships, exchange experiences, and unify global efforts to address cross-border cyber-attacks to enhance global digital security.”

“The UAE is a global leader in cyber security, which was evident in the global competitiveness indicators, where the protection of our cyber security and maintaining business continuity in strategic sectors is a top priority in the council’s strategy to confront suspicious cyber-attacks proactively and with high efficiency. Cyber Security and the protection of digital assets remains top of the Cyber Security Lab agenda with wide global participation which enhances UAE’s position as an international innovative laboratory that presents new tools and advanced technologies capable of facing current and future cyber-attacks worldwide,” he added.

Al Kuwaiti has also praised the “Projects of the 50” that are set to establish a new phase of the country’s internal and external growth in cyberspace, consolidate its regional and global position in all sectors, and raise human competitiveness in the UAE to achieve global outstanding ranks.

Alex Nicholl, Messe Frankfurt Middle East’s Head of Intersec, said that this partnership demonstrates the importance of this sector and the innovative developments at the show in 2022. “We are thrilled to bring the highest level of government partners to collaborate and participate at the event. The UAE Cyber Security Council has embarked on a number of initiatives that reinforce a safe and secure cyber infrastructure in the UAE, we are honoured to be a part of their plans to share their vision across the world.”

Intersec 2022 will also feature some of the world’s best speakers in the UAE for the first time with global experts and government leaders headlining Intersec’s inaugural Cyber Security Lab at the three-day conference.

The cyber programme will include discussions on rapid changes in the industry, key trends and the growth in emerging innovations and technology advancements. An innovative line-up of live activities including an interactive three-day hackathon will include some of the region’s most ambitious students and exciting Start-Up’s.

Also new to the programme is the Intersec Cyber Awards recognising global and regional talent. A significant focus on diversity in Cyber Security will feature throughout the program, plus the role of education and academia in growing talent.

Cyber Security is one of seven product sections at the annual event, joining Commercial Security; Fire & Rescue; Perimeter & Physical Security; Safety & Health; and Homeland Security & Policing.

Source: Emirates News Agency

DUBAI, The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) today announced that it has selected SpaceX as launch provider to deliver MBZ-SAT, the most advanced commercial satellite in the region in the field of high-resolution satellite imagery, into space.

The second Emirati satellite to be fully developed and built by a team of Emirati engineers after the KhalifaSat will be launched on board SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket. MBZ-SAT will be scheduled for launch toward the end of 2023 or at the beginning of 2024. Falcon 9 is a reusable, two-stage rocket designed and manufactured by SpaceX for the reliable and safe transport of people and payloads into Earth orbit and beyond.

Yousuf Hamad AlShaibani, Director-General, MBRSC, said: “We are continually seeking to extend and diversify our ecosystem of partners, particularly in the strategically important area of launch partners. We are delighted to partner with SpaceX to deliver the MBZ-SAT into space as they offer the key attributes of readiness, reliability and technological expertise for this project. The launch of MBZ-SAT is only the first step to unlock future opportunities with SpaceX, and we look forward to utilising further technology developments and space resources with them.”

Tom Ochinero, SpaceX Vice President of Commercial Sales, said: “We’re honoured to support this mission, and we look forward to the successful launch of MBZ-SAT and many future projects.”

The 3m x 5m satellite, weighing in at around 700 kg, will improve image capture resolution by more than double what is capable in the previously launched satellites. It will also increase the downlink data transmission speed by three times the current capacity. The fully automated image scheduling and processing system of MBZ-SAT will also be able to produce more than 10 times the images the Centre produces currently.

MBRSC has over the years partnered with private companies in space technology and plans to further improve on this partnership to create a sustainable space sector in the UAE, thereby encouraging more space ready technology manufacturing, data studies as well as testing centres within the country.

Source: Emirates News Agency

DUBAI, The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) today announced that it has completed structure model and initial tests of MBZ-SAT, the most advanced commercial satellite in the region in the field of high-resolution satellite imagery along with the completion of the engineering and Flatsat qualification module. The team will now begin preparations to manufacture the flight model of MBZ-SAT.

MBZ-SAT, which is the second Emirati satellite to be fully developed and built by a team of Emirati engineers after the KhalifaSat, has been pivotal in supporting the local space industry, with 90% of the mechanical structure and 50% of the electronic modules being built in the UAE. MBRSC has actively engaged with regional companies in the effort to build a local hub for space-related manufacturers, and has partnered with local companies to manufacture and supply the components of MBZ-SAT.

MBRSC had earlier revealed that it had partnered with Strata, a leading composite aero structures manufacturing company based in the UAE, to work jointly in developing local manufacturing capabilities for MBZ-SAT and with EPI, a leading precision engineering firm in the UAE, to produce parts for the satellite. Furthermore, the Centre has partnered with Rockford Xellerix, a UAE-based embedded systems and wire harness connectivity solutions provider, to develop the space harness and with HALCON, a regional leader in the end-to-end manufacturing of precision-guided systems, for the development of specialised PCB assembly and rework of the satellite. MBRSC has also partnered with Falcon Group, to develop the high-quality mechanical structure of MBZ-SAT, using aluminium and titanium.

Yousuf Hamad AlShaibani, Director General, MBRSC, said: “We are on track for the completion of MBZ-SAT as the teams have stepped up efforts to keep production on pace. The progress so far, illustrates the high level of skills and capabilities of our team of engineers and scientists. The milestone further accelerates our satellite programme and catalyses our ambition to be at the forefront of the space sector, utilising technology developments and sharing space resources for the sake of humanity.” ”We have further extended our partnership with local firms, who have played an integral role in the progress of the project. This is in line with strengthening specialised national competencies, developing scientific and technical capabilities, spreading the culture of innovation and national pride as well as consolidating the role and position of the UAE in the space sector regionally and globally,”he added.

Ismail Ali Abdulla, CEO, Strata said: “The agreement between Strata and MBRSC marks a significant milestone for the manufacturing sector in the UAE. As a company that aims to solidify the ‘made with pride in the UAE’ brand across the globe, we are proud that Strata will contribute to the UAE’s efforts to develop the space sector in the region by utilising its manufacturing capabilities and expertise to create components for MBZ-SAT.”

Prabhu Badrinathen, CEO, Falcon Group, said: “We are delighted to be a part of the MBZ-SAT project and have been working with MBRSC since its inception. Being flexible and a local company in the UAE, we try our fullest to keep our clients happy when it comes to quality, cost and delivery. We wish the team all the very best for all future endeavours and we promise to be with them in all their projects enabling them to achieve what is being dreamt by the leaders of this nation.”

Nauman Arshad, Found and CEO, Rockford Xellerice, said: “We are privileged to have worked closely with MBRSC to provide an advanced wire harness solution for the MBZ-SAT. Teamwork, technical knowhow and localisation have resulted in the successful design and development of a highly reliable wire harness solution that is capable of carrying high-resolution imagery of one of the most advance satellites in the region.”

Christian Ziehe, the Acting CEO of EPI, said: “Our alliance with MBRSC reinforces the value of leveraging local capabilities to shape an ecosystem dedicated to manufacturing space-related technology and system. For EPI, it serves as a unique opportunity to grow the company’s expertise in the space manufacturing field, and further diversify our operations.”

MBZ-SAT will be equipped with an automated system for arranging images round-the-clock, ensuring that it provides the highest quality standards of satellite images intended for commercial use globally. The satellite will improve image capture resolution by more than double what is capable in the previously launched system. It will also increase the downlink data transmission speed by thrice the current capacity. The fully automated image scheduling and processing system of MBZ-SAT will also be able to produce more than 10 times the images the Centre produces currently.

The MBZ-SAT will be the first satellite capable of detecting a larger number of man-made as well as natural elements with a higher rate of precision and resolution, as compared to the current range of Earth observation satellites. Furthermore, the raw data gathered by the new satellite’s system will be able to process better AI functionality that can assist in quicker analysis and processing of satellite imagery.

For more than a decade, MBRSC has been providing detailed, high-resolution images that have been captured through DubaiSat-1, DubaiSat-2 and KhalifaSat satellites, according to the requirements and needs of government institutions and private sector companies around the world for more than a decade. The Centre is also part of the International Disaster Charter and Sentinel Asia, playing a crucial role in disaster relief and management globally.

Source: Emirates News Agency