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Arab Space Pioneers Programme's 10 winners announced

Dubai - Bid to build Arab expertise in space science and technologies

The Arab Space Pioneers Programme’s inaugural edition has selected 10 winners in its first intensive scientific initiative in the pan-Arab world.

The programme, overseen by the UAE Space Agency, aims to build Arab expertise in space science and technologies. It also seeks to empower the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region’s talents in a bid to ignite their passion in space-related studies.

Earlier last July, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, had launched the first-of-its-kind specialised training programme in line with the launch of the UAE’s Hope Probe to Mars,  the Arab world’s first interplanetary mission.

Sarah bint Yousef Al Amiri, Minister of State for Advanced Technology and Chairwoman of the UAE Space Agency, said, “The Arab Space Pioneers Programme identifies the most competent Arab scientific talent, and works with them to translate their passion for space sciences into reality, develop their ideas through providing specialised training, and contribute to strengthening the Arab space sector.”

She added: “His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum had launched the programme last summer to empower and build the capabilities of Arab students interested in studying space sciences. The programme inspires them to continue pursuing a STEM [science, technology, engineering and mathematics]-focused education. It reflects the UAE’s vision to continue investing in the youth of the region for the greater benefit of humanity, in areas related to innovation and shaping a knowledge economy – specifically, in the space sector.”

Dr Mohammed Al Ahbabi, Director-General (D-G) of the UAE Space Agency, said, “The Arab Space Pioneers Programme is an intensive scientific programme to build the competencies of Arab youth in space technology and advanced sciences. In its first cycle, the programme nurtures a team of aspiring and competent young people selected from across the UAE and the wider Arab region to reinforce their skills and contribute to the country's efforts to shape a space ecosystem in the country.”

He added: “The programme is off to a great start. We've our finalists for the Talent and Student Tracks in place. We’re confident that our first batch of participants will significantly strengthen the Arab space sector, as part of the wider Arab Space Cooperation Group that comprises 14 Arab countries.”

The Arab Space Pioneers Programme received 37,000 applications from across the Arab world within two weeks of its launch.

Egypt took the lead with 19,391 applications, followed by Iraq (6,447), Algeria (4,836), Morocco (3,107), the UAE (692), Jordan (681), Palestine (422), Syria (406), Tunisia (370) and Saudi Arabia (361).

The winners

The candidates chosen for the Talent Track include Muhammad Al Sayed Subai, 17; Salah El Din Jalal, 17; and Nuran Al Sayed, 16; from Egypt; Nuran Al Youssef, 16, and Fatima Al Abdullah, 16, from Saudi Arabia; Muhammad Zakaria, 15, from Algeria; and Muhammad Al Jroub, 16, from Jordan.

The candidates selected in the Student Track are Maria Muhammad from the Comoros Islands, Muhammad Abdel Jawad from Syria, and Asmaa Al Mismari from Saudi Arabia.

Tracks that match capabilities

The Student Track provides an opportunity for scientifically-proficient Arab students to obtain scholarships in space science and technology and earn a master’s or doctoral degree from the United Arab Emirates University. The participants will receive training in the space research and development centres and laboratories in the UAE.

The Talent Track provides an opportunity for talented school students in the Arab world to learn more about space sciences and technology and helps build their knowledge by preparing them to join careers in this exciting field.

The Expert Track is designed for scientists, specialists, and professionals in space-related disciplines who are capable of contributing to the development of space science and technology, such as supporting the designing and building of satellites and processing of space data based on technical standards and conditions that meet the requirements of each project.

Evaluation criteria

A committee of scientists and researchers comprehensively evaluated the applicants based on their qualifications and achievements in science and research and on innovative skills that can be enhanced.  Experts shortlisted the 15 candidates that advanced into the final stage of selection to the Arab Space Pioneers Programme, including five candidates for the Expert Track, three and seven for the Student and Talent Track, respectively.

Nurturing competencies

Those enrolled in the programme are set to play crucial roles in advancing the UAE’s space ambitions. Participants will benefit from a fully covered three-year residency in the UAE, a world-class specialised training in space science and technology, an opportunity to build advanced satellites in the country and also receive scholarships and other financial incentives. They will also gain an opportunity to engage and collaborate with teams of Emirati researchers, engineers, and experts across multiple space projects.

The intensive programme combines theoretical and practical training that will enable participants to contribute to the UAE Space Agency’s projects. It also aims to contribute to enriching the region’s growing space sector through shaping a diverse pool of skilled and qualified Arab experts and specialists equipped to lead the emerging sector.