The Minister of State for Higher Education and Chairman of the UAE Space Agency, HE Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, has announced that the Dubai will be hosting the 71st International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in 2020.
According to the Minister, hosting the event will highlight the outstanding status of the UAE’s national space sector. He highlighted that winning the bid to host the IAC represents a significant recognition and endorsement of our space industry by one of the sector’s most prominent international organisations, the International Astronautical Federation.
The announcement was made during IAC 2017, which took place in Adelaide, Australia. As the winning bid for 2020, Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre will be the hosting organiser, and the event will be held in coordination with the UAE Space Agency.
HE Al Falasi expressed his confidence that the UAE and Dubai would be an excellent host for this prominent Congress and all its participants from around the world. His Excellency noted that the event will provide a perfect opportunity for all delegates and attendees to take stock of the UAE’s historical experiences and the role of its leadership in advancing a number of fields, particularly space.
Meanwhile, HE Yousuf Hamad Al Shaibani, director general, MBRSC, expressed his deep gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, for His Highness’ gracious patronage for hosting IAC in the UAE in 2020”. Al Shaibani stressed that “under the wise guidance and vision of His Highness, the United Arab Emirates has introduced a new model in space sector development, which has made the country a leader in the international space sector.”
“2020 is a year of symbolic significance for the United Arab Emirates. In this year, the launch of the Emirates Mars Mission (EMM) – Hope Probe will precede the conference. This mission confirms the strong presence of the UAE in the global space sector. We have entered the sector strongly with sustainable programmes including the EMM, the National Astronaut Program, The Integrated Satellite Manufacturing Program and Mars 2117 Program,” added Al Shaibani.
Al Shaibani reiterated the “Centre’s commitment to applying the highest regulatory and logistical standards for the success of the conference that will be held in coordination with the UAE Space Agency. IAC 2020 will be in line with the UAE’s history and long-standing reputation for hosting the most important international conferences,” he added.
Dr. Jean-Yves Le Gall, president, IAF, “The IAF is extremely excited to host the IAC in the beautiful city of Dubai for the first time. The IAF analysed thoroughly the UAE bid and it was impressed by the organizational capabilities they offer. The MBRSC seems to give the IAC the highest importance. The city of Dubai itself looks like a perfect location for congresses with easily reachable locations and beautiful scenery. I’m sure the MBRSC will do their best to welcome, host and greet all IAC 2020 attendees.”
