The UAE has established a Supreme Space Council to oversee the development of its booming space sector, with the authority to approve laws and policies before they are introduced.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, will act as chairman of the council, an announcement said on Monday.
Some of the council’s duties will be approving policies to regulate the space sector and setting key priorities in investment, acquisitions and infrastructure development.
The move follows a series of space projects that the UAE has recently undertaken, including investment in Nasa’s Gateway project – a $5.3 billion lunar-orbiting station.
The Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) will develop an airlock module for the Gateway, allowing astronauts to enter and exit the station. In return, an Emirati astronaut is set to join a future mission to the station.
Another milestone came with the recent merger of Abu Dhabi’s YahSat and Bayanat, resulting in the formation of Space42 – one of the most valuable space companies in the region. Space42 made its debut on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange on October 1.
The Dubai-based MBRSC, of which Sheikh Hamdan is president, is responsible for executing space missions such as the UAE Astronaut Programme, Earth-observation satellites and various research programmes.
Meanwhile, the UAE Space Agency, a federal body, plays a crucial role in drafting laws and policies related to the space sector, regulating activities and overseeing missions.
It has also spearheaded projects such as the Hope Probe to Mars and is developing the Emirates mission to the asteroid belt, alongside efforts to bolster the country’s private space sector.
A long-term vision
The Supreme Space Council will play a critical role in approving laws, policies and strategies before their enactment.
Also within its remit will be approving plans aimed at achieving space security in co-operation with international partners, a post on X by the UAE Government Media Office said.
The council will oversee the management of infrastructure, facilities and assets in the space sector. Additionally, it will review capacity-building strategies, fostering local and global partnerships to support the UAE’s long-term space ambitions.
It will be responsible for approving the outcomes of legislation, strategy and national programmes in co-ordination with relevant bodies.
"The decision of the UAE Cabinet to establish the Supreme Space Council represents a landmark moment in our nation’s journey towards becoming a global space leader, driving our ambitions forward and enabling us to achieve even greater milestones in this field," Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, chairman of MBRSC, said.
"MBRSC is proud to contribute to these efforts, and we remain dedicated to achieving the long-term vision of our wise leadership, ensuring that the UAE continues to lead in space exploration and innovation," he added.
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Best Men's Player of the Year: Kylian Mbappe (PSG)
Maradona Award for Best Goal Scorer of the Year: Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich)
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Best Defender of the Year: Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus/Italy)
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Best National Team of the Year: Italy
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At a glance
Global events: Much of the UK’s economic woes were blamed on “increased global uncertainty”, which can be interpreted as the economic impact of the Ukraine war and the uncertainty over Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Growth forecasts: Cut for 2025 from 2 per cent to 1 per cent. The OBR watchdog also estimated inflation will average 3.2 per cent this year
Welfare: Universal credit health element cut by 50 per cent and frozen for new claimants, building on cuts to the disability and incapacity bill set out earlier this month
Spending cuts: Overall day-to day-spending across government cut by £6.1bn in 2029-30
Tax evasion: Steps to crack down on tax evasion to raise “£6.5bn per year” for the public purse
Defence: New high-tech weaponry, upgrading HM Naval Base in Portsmouth
Housing: Housebuilding to reach its highest in 40 years, with planning reforms helping generate an extra £3.4bn for public finances
What are the influencer academy modules?
- Mastery of audio-visual content creation.
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Company Profile
Name: Thndr
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Sector: FinTech
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Tips from the expert
Dobromir Radichkov, chief data officer at dubizzle and Bayut, offers a few tips for UAE residents looking to earn some cash from pre-loved items.
- Sellers should focus on providing high-quality used goods at attractive prices to buyers.
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if you go
Jetour T1 specs
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Engine 3.6-litre V6
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Fuel economy, combined 11.7L / 100km
Disposing of non-recycleable masks
Use your ‘black bag’ bin at home
Do not put them in a recycling bin
Take them home with you if there is no litter bin
- No need to bag the mask
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
2019 ASIAN CUP FINAL
Japan v Qatar
Friday, 6pm
Zayed Sports City Stadium, Abu Dhabi
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Distance covered: 160km
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Three ways to boost your credit score
Marwan Lutfi says the core fundamentals that drive better payment behaviour and can improve your credit score are:
1. Make sure you make your payments on time;
2. Limit the number of products you borrow on: the more loans and credit cards you have, the more it will affect your credit score;
3. Don't max out all your debts: how much you maximise those credit facilities will have an impact. If you have five credit cards and utilise 90 per cent of that credit, it will negatively affect your score.
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Banned items
Dubai Police has also issued a list of banned items at the ground on Sunday. These include:
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Political flags or banners
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Bikes, skateboards or scooters
If you go…
Emirates launched a new daily service to Mexico City this week, flying via Barcelona from Dh3,995.
Emirati citizens are among 67 nationalities who do not require a visa to Mexico. Entry is granted on arrival for stays of up to 180 days.
Why seagrass matters
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Tightening the screw on rogue recruiters
The UAE overhauled the procedure to recruit housemaids and domestic workers with a law in 2017 to protect low-income labour from being exploited.
Only recruitment companies authorised by the government are permitted as part of Tadbeer, a network of labour ministry-regulated centres.
A contract must be drawn up for domestic workers, the wages and job offer clearly stating the nature of work.
The contract stating the wages, work entailed and accommodation must be sent to the employee in their home country before they depart for the UAE.
The contract will be signed by the employer and employee when the domestic worker arrives in the UAE.
Only recruitment agencies registered with the ministry can undertake recruitment and employment applications for domestic workers.
Penalties for illegal recruitment in the UAE include fines of up to Dh100,000 and imprisonment
But agents not authorised by the government sidestep the law by illegally getting women into the country on visit visas.
The biog
First Job: Abu Dhabi Department of Petroleum in 1974
Current role: Chairperson of Al Maskari Holding since 2008
Career high: Regularly cited on Forbes list of 100 most powerful Arab Businesswomen
Achievement: Helped establish Al Maskari Medical Centre in 1969 in Abu Dhabi’s Western Region
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- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
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- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
