UAE Space Agency signs strategic agreement with AWS

The UAE Space Agency and Amazon Web Services (AWS) have signed a Statement of Strategic Intent and Cooperation. The agreement aims to support the development of the space sector in the UAE.

The Space Industry Development Program, Talent for Space Program, and Open Data Sponsorship Program are three initiatives on which AWS will work with the UAE Space Agency and other related UAE government space organisations and institutions.

The Space Industry Development Program places equal emphasis on promoting an environment that is friendly to new entrants such space startups as well as the expansion of existing commercial space organisations.

With the help of this initiative, they will have access to the AWS Activate and AWS Founders programs, which are both aimed at giving entrepreneurs AWS credits, technical training and business support.

#UAE Space Agency, #Amazon Web Services sign agreement to support long-term growth in region’s space ecosystem.#WamNews https://t.co/9kGd2ue9pi pic.twitter.com/MiX7atTzJh

— WAM English (@WAMNEWS_ENG) December 7, 2022

Meanwhile, Talent for Space Program, focuses on developing talent for the space industry in the UAE, notably in the areas of cloud computing and big data. AWS will specifically provide the ready-to-teach Cloud Career Pathways curriculum to relevant research universities.

Furthermore, through the sharing of data sets on AWS relevant to space data-driven projects including space surveillance and space situational awareness programmes, the Open Data Sponsorship Program initiative will promote collaboration among the UAE space and research community.

Ibrahim Al Qasim, deputy director–general of the UAE Space Agency stressed the importance that the UAE Space Agency attaches to international cooperation between the public and private sectors in the field of space.

“Space is the next frontier of business growth set to propel the national economy for the next 50 years. The strategic intent agreement will support to create a competitive private sector, build national capabilities, promote public-private partnerships, boost R&D and encourage the spirit of entrepreneurship.”

He said: “We have talented national cadres who are capable of innovation and creativity to achieve the best results and continue the country’s march of achievement in the space sector. This agreement with Amazon Web Services comes as a part of our objectives and goals in provide our national talents, startups and SME’s with best skills and learning programmes, in addition to enable companies working in this sector with best applications and facilities.”

“This agreement focuses on providing commercial and public space companies, and young professionals the technical tools and resources they need to be successful for the long term,” said Wojciech Bajda, director – Public Sector Middle East and Africa, Amazon Web Services.

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