Six of the seven candidates selected to join the Arab Space Pioneers Programme’s inaugural edition are from Egypt and Algeria. The programme combines theoretical and hands-on practical training by enabling participants to contribute to the UAE Space Agency’s present and future space projects. The scientific training sessions were remotely conducted and held in partnership with the Space Foundation, an American non-profit organisation providing information and education collaboration for space science and activities. 

Furthermore, of the 37,000 applications from talents, inventors and researchers from around the Arab world, only seven were chosen. They include Muhammad Al-Sayed Subai, Salah Al-Din Jalal, and Nouran Al-Sayed, from Egypt; Nouran Al-Youssef and Fatima Al-Abdullah, from Saudi Arabia; Muhammad Zakaria, from Algeria; and Muhammad Al-Joroub, from Jordan.

The UAE Space Agency oversees the Arab Space Pioneers Programme, the first of its kind in the Arab world. The programme’s objective is to prepare and nurture Arab youths passionate about space science and train them across various space science and technology disciplines. 

Additionally, the programme was launched in July 2020, and it has three distinctive phases: Talent Track, Graduate Track and Expert Track. Last month’s launch of the Talent Track phase represents a step forward in preparing the next generation of Arab space scientists and explorers to carry the torch of Arab space exploration into the future.

According to Abdulla Al Shehhi, Acting Head of Space Science & Technology, UAE Space Agency, “Engaging our talented youth in the possibilities of space is critical to developing a world-leading space sector. As we pursue new horizons in this future industry, we must invest in the people. The Talent Track sessions have been designed to align with international best practices to empower Arab students and motivate and inspire their passion for this sector. The Arab Space Pioneers Programme aims to translate a passion for space into a tangible contribution to the dynamic ecosystem we are building. Moreso, this programme also enhances Arab space cooperation, under the umbrella of the 14-member Arab Space Cooperation Group.”

Shelley Brunswick, Chief Operating Officer of Space Foundation, said, “I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the UAE Space Agency for supervising the innovative Arab Space Pioneers Programme. It has attracted some of the best talents from the Arab world and inspired students to deepen their understanding of the space sector. In addition, the UAE’s rapid development in all space-related fields is commendable. It underscores its commitment to developing knowledge and an innovation-driven economy that also enhances cooperation with the US, the European Union and others.”