UAE, US Celebrate Strengthened Collaboration In Human Space Exploration

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the United States on Sunday celebrated their growing advanced scientific and technical collaboration in the fields of human space exploration and aeronautics research.

The event, held in Washington, D.C. and hosted by UAE Ambassador to the U.S. Yousef Al Otaiba, brought together representatives from the UAE Space Agency, Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and the National Space Council.

In light of the recent joint commitment by the UAE and the U.S. to support NASA's Gateway, the first lunar space station for humanity, NASA administrator Bill Nelson commended the collaborative efforts between the two nations.

"The partnership between the United States and the United Arab Emirates is strong and growing stronger," Nelson said, as reported by WAM. "Together, we are taking giant leaps in science and technology that will further the Artemis campaign, and the future of human space exploration."

Al Otaiba, on the other hand, said that the UAE is proud to work with "partners across the US to build upon humanity's collective understanding of the cosmos."

"From the Gateway program to exploring Mars' atmosphere, our two nations' partnership continues to go from strength to strength. Not even the sky is the limit for our shared ambitions," he added.

The UAE, with the help of NASA, U.S. research institutions, and the aeronautics industry, has developed a successful space program that has achieved remarkable milestones in just a short span.

Dr. Sultan Saif Al Neyadi, the second Emirati astronaut in the history of the UAE who was recently appointed the UAE Minister of State for Youth Affairs, spoke during the event and praised the strategic partnership between the two countries.

"Our partnership with the US, particularly in space exploration, stands as a testament to humanity's potential when united in a common purpose," Al Neyadi said. "Together, we have embarked on a transformative journey that transcends boundaries, driving forward a new era of discovery and innovation."

"The collaborative milestones we have achieved, from pioneering spaceflight missions to the technologies partnerships, reflect shared vision and commitment of our nations to advancing knowledge for the benefit of all humanity," he added.

Before Al Neyadi, Hazza Al Mansouri became the first person to enter space from the UAE.

UAE Space Agency's Director-General Salem Butti Al Qubaisi emphasized the importance of this partnership, noting that it helped strengthen the shared vision and strategy to improve safety and security in space.

He added that the partnership expands the scope of international scientific research and develops new technologies that contribute to improving human lives.