New beginnings for young minds and future discoveries

The Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) joins the UAE in celebrating history with Emirates Mars Mission's Hope Probe

Dr Abdullatif AlShamsi, HCT President and CEO, said the world is eagerly waiting for the countdown as the Emirates Mars Mission Hope Probe readies to launch, reinforcing the capabilities of the UAE and the Arab world to make remarkable achievements.
"July 20 will mark a turning point in UAE and Arab history," Dr Al Shamsi said.

He congratulated the UAE's wise leadership and Emirati people on this new historic, value-added achievement. He added that since the UAE Mars Mission was announced by The President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan in 2014, the space industry has become one of the most vital sectors in the UAE economy. He further added there is an increased focus on preparing Emiratis in the fields of technology and space science. Dr Al Shamsi expressed his pride in the promising Emirati team of experts, which consists of a number of HCT graduates, taking part in this great achievement.

He added that the UAE strives to mark a turning point in the UAE and Arab history in the area of space sciences and research. The launching of the Hope Probe represents a new beginning for future achievements and discoveries, he said.

In light of the UAE's keenness to support and enhance the capabilities of Arab nationals, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, launched the 'Geniuses of the Arab Space' programme, which is the first of its kind in the Arab world to embrace and sponsor Arab geniuses in space science, technology and allied industries."

The UAE is providing a valuable opportunity to stimulate Emirati and Arab scientific talents and cadres to expand the UAE and Arab presence in the field of space exploration," he said.

Dr Al Shamsi pointed out that the dynamic space science, technology and allied industries have been attracting students who have demonstrated growing interest in studying sciences, mathematics and other space-related specialisations. Furthermore, the HCT has established partnerships and cooperation agreements with the UAE Space Agency and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre in support of national efforts to prepare Emiratis, who are capable of achieving innovation and excellence in this industry and also to encourage them to undertake projects in space sciences, he said.

He highlighted that the HCT has provided the local labour market with thousands of engineering graduates, namely in the fields of mechanical, electrical, mechatronics, and aviation engineering. Today, the HCT has around 5,603 students enrolled in the various applied engineering programmes.

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