King of Bahrain visits the UAE Space Agency and The Bahraini National Space Science Agency's Pavilion

During his tour at the Bahrain International Airshow

• UAE Space Agency and Bahraini National Space Science Agency sign Memorandum of Understanding

23 January, 2015 – Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of Bahrain, today visited the joint pavilion of the UAE Space Agency and the Bahraini National Space Science Agency, at the Bahrain International Airshow.

During his visit, His Majesty was briefed on the latest achievements of the UAE Space Agency, along with its current and future projects, especially the UAE Mars Probe, which will carry the UAE Mission to explore the red planet. His Majesty was also briefed on the projects, programs, and executive plans carried out by the Bahraini National Space Science Agency, which focuses on motivating scientific innovation and technical advancement that would help achieve the agency's objectives.

His Majesty also reviewed the collaboration between the two agencies, which was culminated today by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) covering the scope and framework of cooperation in the field of space exploration and peaceful exploitation, as well as joint ventures and knowledge and experience exchange, with the goal of building stronger relationships between the two agencies.

The MoU was signed by HE Dr. Khalifa Al Romaithi, Chairman of the UAE Space Agency, and Dr. Mohammed Ahmed Al Amer, Chairman of the Bahraini National Space Science Agency.

The MoU covers the exchange of information between the space sectors in the two countries, in the fields of space science, technology and applications, as well as in policies and regulations. It also covers human resources development, exchange of expertise, common research and technical and operational activities. Moreover, the MoU covers joint efforts in conferences, seminars and educational activities in space science and technology and the collaboration between various academic and research institutions in the two countries.

Commenting on the MoU, HE Dr. Al Romaithi said: "The signing of this MoU with the Bahraini side comes in recognition of the importance of joint cooperation between the space sectors in the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, especially in this critical stage where the two promising sectors are being established and developed. The MoU also falls within the strategic objectives of the UAE Space Agency, which include building and strengthening relations and partnerships at the regional and global levels."

For his part, HE Dr. Mohamed Nasser Al Ahbabi, Director General of the UAE Space Agency, said: "The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Bahraini National Space Science Agency establishes a common ground for coordination between the two parties. It also lays the groundwork for joint efforts to elevate space programs in the two countries, especially in the fields of space exploration, educational curricula, experience and research exchange." 

The fourth Bahrain International Airshow is held at the Sakhir Air Base, Kingdom of Bahrain, and will continue until the 23rd of January.