The UAE also plans to launch two small satellites.
Have you always dreamed of setting up a business whose prospects are out of this world?
Well listen up as Masdar City might just have the zone for you.
The UAE Space Agency in tandem with Masdar is establishing the nation’s first Space Economic Zone to create an integrated business ecosystem to propel startups and SMEs.
The zone which will be a pioneer in sustainability and a hub for research and development, will offer world-class infrastructure and an enabling environment to encourage the development of the national space industry.
Businesses will be offered an integrated package of benefits including incubation, office space, mentorship, networking, investment opportunities, priority access to government contracts and closer cooperation with leading global research centres.
It is the first of many space-tech hubs the UAE Space Agency will launch to create a competitive private sector, build national capabilities and contribute to the UAE’s economic growth for the next 50 years.
Speaking on the announcement Sarah bint Yousif Al Amiri, Minister of State for Advanced Technology and Chairwoman of the UAE Space Agency, said, “Space is the next frontier of business growth set to propel the national economy for the next 50 years.
“The Space Economic Zone in Masdar City is an exciting milestone in our strategy to create a competitive private sector, build national capabilities, promote public-private partnerships, boost R&D and encourage the spirit of entrepreneurship.
“This programme is a game-changer that will take our flourishing space industry to the next level whilst simultaneously building on the UAE’s established position as a global hub for talent, investment and innovation.
“We are pleased to enter into this strategic agreement with Masdar City and look forward to working closely in the spirit of collaboration and cooperation as we create a globally competitive space industry.”
But it is not the only space related news that for our amateur astronauts to enjoy this week in the UAE.
The country has announced it is planning to launch two small satellites each year that would host the latest technology built by private companies or university students.
Under the Payload Hosting Initiative (PHI), engineers at the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) would construct the satellite and companies can add their technology that can be tested in space.
The first demo satellite, called PHI-Demo, is already in development with the second satellite, PHI-1, being constructed in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs.
The satellites will be operated from MBRSC headquarters in Dubai.
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