The National Space Science Agency (NSSA) has signed a declaration of principles with the UAE Space Agency (UAE SA) and Khalifa University (KU) on 14th November 2018 on the sidelines of the 5th Bahrain International Airshow (BIAS) 2018.

The document was signed by H.E. The Minister of Transportation and Telecommunication, Engineer Kamal bin Ahmed Mohamed, responsible for the supervisionand control of NSSA, and H.E. Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Higher Education and Advanced Skills, Chairman of the UAE Space Agency. The signing was attended by a number of officials from both parties including Dr. Mohamed Ebrahim Al Aseeri, NSSACEO and Dr. Mohamed Nasser Al Ahbabi, Director General of the UAE Space Agency.

The agreement aims to expand the existing collaboration between the two entities in different potential areas related to space science, technology andapplications.

The parties will join forces in training the newly recruited Bahrain Space Team in satellite technology, design, construction, testing, launching andoperations. Furthermore, the team will fabricate a CubeSat to be used for scientific research, and carrying out a number of environmental studies.

H.E. Eng. Kamal Bin Ahmed Mohammed was delighted to have signed this Declaration of Principles between the NSSA, the UAESA, and Khalifa University andcommented “First of all, I would like to thank H.E. Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi and the executive management of the UAE Space Agency for their efforts and constructive cooperation which has resulted in the signing of this declaration. This represents a significantstep towards fulfilling the goals of the NSSA, in line with our strategic plan.”

Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi said: “The signing of this declaration is a tangible result of the close relationship between the UAE and Bahrain in thearena of advanced sciences and will see us working together as strategic partners in the region’s nascent but rapidly developing space sector. The ties between our two nations already extend across the political, economic, social, and cultural domains andwe have now added the exciting field of space to that inventory. Our growing collaboration in space science and exploration is a testament to our desire and commitment to bolster meaningful partnerships between our two great nations.”

Dr Al Aseeri added “We are looking forward to creating a skilled Bahraini team, familiar with the latestsatellite technologies, and continuing to train them to expand their knowledge in this field. Such expertise will ensure the sustainability of NSSA projects and will provide a solid base of skilled technicians in this field. We would like to thank our colleaguesin the UAE for their cooperation and consistent support. We look forward to continuing further fruitful collaboration to the benefit and prosperity of both our countries.”