The UAE Space Agency announced that 10 winners have been selected to join the Arab Space Pioneers Program’s inaugural edition, the first intensive scientific training program of its kind in the Arab world. Building A Knowledge Economy Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice president and prime minister of UAE and ruler of Dubai, launched the first-of-its-kind specialized training program earlier in July in line with the launch of the UAE’s Hope Probe to Mars — the Arab world’s first interplanetary mission. The program, overseen by the UAE Space Agency, aims to build Arab expertise in space science and technologies and empower the region’s talents in the creative and scientific industry to practice their passion in space-related studies. The Arab Space Pioneers Program aims to prepare Arab talent across various disciplines of space science, research and technology, and nurture the scientific competencies of Arab youth that are passionate about space exploration and science. Within two weeks of its launch, the Arab Space Pioneers drew an overwhelming 37,000 applications from creative talents, researchers and inventors across the Arab world. Egypt took the lead with 19,391 applications, followed by Iraq (6,447), Algeria (4,836), Morocco (3,107), UAE (692), Jordan (681), Palestine (422), Syria (406), Tunisia (370) and Saudi Arabia (361). Selected Winners The candidates chosen for the Talent Track include Muhammad Al Sayed Subai (17 years), Salah El Din Jalal (17 years) and Nuran Al Sayed (16 years) from Egypt, Nuran Al Youssef (16 years) and Fatima Al Abdullah (16 years) from Saudi Arabia, Muhammad Zakaria (15 years) from Algeria, and Muhammad Al Jroub (16 years) from Jordan. Finally, the candidates selected in the Student Track are Maria Muhammad from the Comoros, Muhammad Abdel Jawad from Syria, and Asmaa Al Mismari from Saudi Arabia. Tracks that Match Capabilities The Student Track provides an opportunity for scientifically proficient Arab students to obtain scholarships in space science and technology and earn a master’s or doctoral degree from the United Arab Emirates University. The participants will receive training in the space research and development centers and laboratories in the UAE. The Talent Track provides an opportunity for talented school students in the Arab world to learn more about space sciences and technology and helps build their knowledge by preparing them to join careers in this exciting field. The Expert Track is designed for scientists, specialists, and professionals in space-related disciplines who are capable of contributing to the development of space science and technology, such as supporting the designing and building of satellites and processing of space data based on technical standards and conditions that meet the requirements of each project. An Evaluation Process with Clear and Precise Criteria Following the close of registration, a specialized committee of scientists and researchers comprehensively evaluated the applicants based on their qualifications and achievements in science and research and on innovative skills that can be enhanced. This step shortlisted the 15 candidates that advanced into the final stage of selection to the Arab Space Pioneers Program, including five candidates for the Expert Track, three candidates for the Student Track, and seven candidates for the Talent Track. Passion for Space Sciences Sarah Bint Yousef Al Amiri, minister of state for advanced technology and chairwoman of the UAE Space Agency, said: “The Arab Space Pioneers Program identifies the most competent Arab scientific talent, and works with them to translate their passion for space sciences into reality, develop their ideas through providing specialized training, and thereby, contribute to strengthening the Arab space sector.” She added: “Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the program last summer to empower and build the capabilities of Arab students interested in studying space sciences. Through inspiring them to continue pursuing a STEM-focused education, the program reflects the UAE’s vision to continue investing in the youth of the region for the greater benefit of humanity, in areas related to innovation and shaping a knowledge economy — specifically, in the space sector.” For his part, Dr. Mohammed Al Ahbabi, director general of the UAE Space Agency, said: “The Arab Space Pioneers Program is an intensive scientific program to build the competencies of Arab youth in space technology and advanced sciences. “In its first cycle, the program nurtures a team of aspiring and competent young people, meticulously, selected from across the UAE and the wider Arab region to reinforce their skills and contribute to the UAE’s efforts to shape a space ecosystem in the country.” He added: “The program is off to a great start and we have our finalists for the Talent and Student tracks in place. We are confident that our first cadre of participants will significantly strengthen the Arab space sector, as part of the wider Arab Space Cooperation Group that comprises 14 Arab countries.” Embracing and Nurturing Competencies The Arab Space Pioneers Program aims to prepare Arab talent across various disciplines of space science, research and technology, and nurture the scientific competencies of Arab youth that are passionate about space exploration and science. Those enrolled in the program are set to play crucial roles in advancing the UAE’s space ambitions. Participants in the Arab Space Pioneers Program will also benefit from a fully covered three-year residency in the UAE, a world-class specialized training in space science and technology, an opportunity to build advanced satellites in the UAE and also receive scholarships and other financial incentives. Through the program, they gain an opportunity to engage and collaborate with teams of Emirati researchers, engineers, and experts across multiple space projects. The intensive program combines theoretical and hands-on practical training through enabling participants to contribute to the UAE Space Agency’s present and future projects. In the long run, the Arab Space Pioneers Program aims to contribute to enriching the region’s growing space sector through shaping a diverse pool of skilled and qualified Arab experts and specialists equipped to lead the emerging sector. — SG