UAE Cabinet adopts new space policy

The UAE cabinet announced that the Eid Al Adha 2016 holiday for Federal institutions and ministries will begin on September 11. Government offices are set to resume work on September 18.
During the session, the cabinet also adopted the National Space Policy, the most important element in the national plan to develop the space sector. The Space Policy is rudimentary for driving the entire sector forward within the framework of the UAE National Agenda, part of the UAE Vision 2021.
His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai said the UAE is taking pioneering steps towards not only joining the international space exploration community, but also competing with established players in the field before the country's Golden Jubilee in 2021.
Addressing the cabinet, he explained that the UAE's ambitions in the field fall in line with the vision of its founding fathers.
The meeting was chaired by Shaikh Mohammed at the Presidential Palace in Abu Dhabi, and attended by Lt. General Shaikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior; and Shaikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs.
"We have a strong economy, solid infrastructure, national competencies, and other accomplishments enabling us to enter the space race in time for our Golden Jubilee," Shaikh Mohammed said.
"The nation's founder had incredible foresight when he hosted a delegation from NASA in 1976 in an effort to send a clear message to his people and the people of the region and the world that our Emirati and Arab ambitions know no limits, and to draw a roadmap for the UAE to build on our ancestors' knowledge in astronomy, navigation, and space."
He added that the UAE now operates more than six satellites and invests over Dh20 billion in space technology. "Our ambition is limitless and we are working tirelessly to realise it. We have the largest regional space transportation operator, the largest international companies providing satellite insurance services, an adequate legislative and regulatory environment, and a variety of research centrers, all of which aim to ensure the wellbeing of our people and the world.
"Our goal is to build a strong and sustainable Emirati space sector that supports the interests of the nation and its vital sectors. A sector that serves to diversify the economy and develop the UAE's scientific prowess and the culture of innovation."
For climate change
The cabinet created the UAE Council for Climate Change and the Environment, to be in charge of formulating the country's policy and strategies on climate change, environmental issues and sustainable development, as well as developing plans towards achieving them and represent the UAE in regional and international negotiations related to the scope of work of the Ministry of Climate Change and the Environment.
The Council for Climate Change and the Environment will create partnerships with the private sector and conduct studies and lead scientific research in fields related to the ministry's work.
Decrees, federal laws
The cabinet issuaed of a Federal Law on Bankruptcy, which aims to strengthen the legal sustainability and attractiveness of the investment environment.
The cabinet issued a Federal Law regarding the use of digital technology in criminal procedures, as well as a Federal Law regarding the amendment of Federal Law At a regulatory level, the cabinet approved a number of decrees regarding the restructuring of the boards of directors in each of the following entities: The Federal Transport Authority - Land and Maritime; Emirates Post; the General Authority for Islamic Affairs and Endowments; and the Coordination Council for Higher Education and Scientific Research of Federal Higher Education Institutions.
 
 

• Abu Dhabi