The State Department on Tuesday announced the US has reached a framework agreement with Saudi Arabia on space co-operation.
The two countries said they will develop a strategic relationship to tackle scientific studies, increase commercial investment and establish a legal framework for their joint projects, the SPA news outlet reported.
The agreement, which is focused on co-operation in aeronautics and the exploration of space for peaceful purposes, was signed on Monday.
Nasa administrator Bill Nelson was the signatory for the US while Saudi Space Agency chief executive Mohammed Al Tamimi signed the agreement on behalf of the kingdom.
“Building on my visit to Saudi Arabia earlier this year, I look forward to strengthening our co-operation for the future of exploration,” Mr Nelson said.
“We are living in the golden era of exploration – one that is rooted in partnership. This new agreement outlines how we will work together and explore together for the benefit of humanity.”
The US has long had a presence in space through Nasa and space flights and exploration are being expanded through the private sector.
Saudi Arabia has increased its space-focused projects in recent years and has been in talks about next-generation space stations with other nations.
Riyadh has collaborated with US-based company SpaceX to purchase astronaut spots from Axiom, which resulted last year in the first Arab woman to complete a space mission.
Abdullah Alswaha, chairman of the Saudi Space Agency, said the deal with the US "represents a turning point in the kingdom’s journey towards building a strong and prosperous space sector”, SPA reported.
James Webb space images - in pictures
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Name: Peter Dicce
Title: Assistant dean of students and director of athletics
Favourite sport: soccer
Favourite team: Bayern Munich
Favourite player: Franz Beckenbauer
Favourite activity in Abu Dhabi: scuba diving in the Northern Emirates
if you go
The flights
Fly direct to Kutaisi with Flydubai from Dh925 return, including taxes. The flight takes 3.5 hours. From there, Svaneti is a four-hour drive. The driving time from Tbilisi is eight hours.
The trip
The cost of the Svaneti trip is US$2,000 (Dh7,345) for 10 days, including food, guiding, accommodation and transfers from and to Tbilisi or Kutaisi. This summer the TCT is also offering a 5-day hike in Armenia for $1,200 (Dh4,407) per person. For further information, visit www.transcaucasiantrail.org/en/hike/
THREE
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SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20SAMSUNG%20GALAXY%20S24%20ULTRA
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GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
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Disability on screen
Empire — neuromuscular disease myasthenia gravis; bipolar disorder; post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Rosewood and Transparent — heart issues
24: Legacy — PTSD;
Superstore and NCIS: New Orleans — wheelchair-bound
Taken and This Is Us — cancer
Trial & Error — cognitive disorder prosopagnosia (facial blindness and dyslexia)
Grey’s Anatomy — prosthetic leg
Scorpion — obsessive compulsive disorder and anxiety
Switched at Birth — deafness
One Mississippi, Wentworth and Transparent — double mastectomy
Dragons — double amputee
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
