UAE & Philippines explore potential collaboration in space sector

The United Arab Emirates and the Philippines are exploring the potential of collaborating in the space sector. UAE Space Agency received Her Excellency Hjayceelyn M. Quintana, Philippines Ambassador to the UAE, and a virtual team from the Philippines Space Agency to discuss future space collaborations as the two nations aim to further their 47-year bilateral relationship.

The UAE Space Agency’s Space Science Advisor, Ibrahim Al Qasim, welcomed the ambassador and commended the two countries’ strong and crucial ties. The United Arab Emirates and the Philippines have a deep and long-standing relationship based on decades of mutual collaboration and cooperation in various strategically essential industries. Both countries have ambitious national space exploration plans and believe that sharing information and expertise is beneficial. Exploring the most recent advances in space science and innovative technologies can help to produce highly qualified workers, local enterprises, and a knowledge-based economy.

Ibrahim Al Qasim, Space Science Advisor, UAE Space Agency said: “Space sector collaborations are essential for both the UAE and the Philippines. As our two countries accelerate the growth and increase investments into this exciting yet nascent industry, there will be many opportunities to collaborate and share knowledge and ideas as we work together to create new avenues for space-based innovation.

“The long-standing strategic bilateral relationship between the UAE and the Philippines is grounded in a shared collaborative spirit and a shared commitment to empower talent and foster an entrepreneurial spirit. We look forward to expanding our horizons through potential joint space exploration programs and initiatives that accelerate economic diversification by scaling up expertise in cutting-edge new industries.”

Despite being a young country with a fledgling space programme, the UAE has made history in the field and continues to make important advances in space science, advanced technology, and exploration. It now has 12 satellites in orbit, with another six under construction.

For her part, Her Excellency Hjayceelyn M. Quintana, said: “As we reflect on the adventures of the Philippines and the UAE in space, we see two nascent programs but one united vision. What better way to commemorate the 47th year anniversary of our important diplomatic relations than by bringing together our space agencies to meet, share knowledge and expertise, and discover what we can achieve together. I consider it a distinct honor to be a part of this historic inaugural meeting and chart a new frontier in our strategic partnership which, like space, is of limitless possibilities.”