Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre signs a memorandum of understanding with DP World

MoU aimed at cooperation and exchange of information, scientific data and expertise, and human resources

Dubai United Arab Emirates - 31 March 2016: Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with DP World, aimed at developing an organizational framework on means of cooperation and coordination, and the exchange of information, scientific data and expertise, and human resources consistent with the UAE's strategy and public interest.

According to the MoU, MBRSC will assess and provide current and future requirements associated with remote sensing applications and satellite images for DP World, where the Centre is competent to approve and execute the specifications, standards and the technical requirements related to the satellites of MBRSC. Moreover, MBRSC will contribute in setting DP World’s need for applications related to designs for satellites under construction, as well as future ones.

The Centre will conduct studies that will identify DP World needs from satellite images from DubaiSat-1 and DubaiSat-2, as well as future satellites for use in the application of the remote sensing, geographical analysis and in field of designs required by DP World that include surveillance of urban planning, distribution and classification of vegetation, water resources, environmental applications, shares control, pollution etc. MBRSC will provide the ports, upon need or demand, with multi-spectral satellite images, panchromatic images with high pixel resolution, and with coordinates system approved by DP World. On the other hand, DP World will provide MBRSC with survey and geographical data, provided that the latter helps complete a GIS database.

Both parties agreed on exchanging knowledge, data, and expertise, as well as develop human resources in the space and scientific fields, including space science, remote sensing applications, satellite communications, and global navigation systems using satellites. In addition, the Centre is committed to the development of human resources with the DP World team, promoting their skills, and enhancing their technical capabilities through cooperation in the areas of research, training, and exchange of information and knowledge, as well as organizing conferences, workshops, and exhibitions related to satellite imagery applications in the field of remote sensing and geographical information systems.

HE Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO, DP World, said: “Dubai is a leader of innovation in the region and in an age of rapid change we are keen to partner with organisations at the cutting edge of technology. This cooperation enhances our impact in encouraging innovation and scientific advancement in line with the UAE Vision 2021 and the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai to make the UAE a pioneer in international space science. We are pleased to be working closely with MBRSC to exchange information, expertise and data analysis for the benefit of the country.” 

HE Bin Sulayem stressed the significance of the MoU in enabling DP World to train UAE nationals, enhancing their technical skills and their participation in developing a sustainable national economy based on knowledge and innovation.

Commenting on the signing of the MoU, HE Yousuf Hamad Al Shaibani, Director General, MBRSC, said that the signing of the MoU with a prestigious institution, like DP World, is a true reflection of the efforts made by the Centre to build bridges of cooperation between all local authorities to create an environment that guarantees the achievement of sustainable economic development.

HE Shaibani added: “The maritime sector is witnessing steady growth and adopting world-class competitive mechanisms, which assert Dubai's competitive position globally in the maritime field, and at various levels regionally. This has created an investment environment that has attracted various leading companies involved in the maritime industry and the maritime transport sector. Thus, we are dedicated to supporting them with high-quality satellite services that keep pace with the developments in this sector, and support Dubai’s pioneering position as a global maritime hub.”

"We believe that the strategic partnerships aimed at exchanging scientific and technical information, data, and expertise, as well as human resource development, all serve vital national objectives in developing sectors. This approach is the mainstay and pillar of MBRSC’s strategy, through harnessing applications and practices provided by satellites in the service of all national development projects, and the implementation of the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of MBRSC and General Supervisor of all the Centre’s projects, strategic and development plans,” HE Al Shaibani concluded.