Sheikh Nahayan to join Global Space experts at industry forum in Abu Dhabi

The forum, which is the first event of its kind in the Middle East, and takes place from 16-18 November at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, has attracted the space industry's top government and private sector figures to join the three day conference programme, and will be opened by His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, UAE.

Over thirty high calibre speakers will address a wide range of topics including new space technology and commercial markets, research and development, environment, energy and climate, regional space policy and strategies, defence and security.

On the opening day of the conference, Sir Martin Sweeting, Chairman, Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd. will deliver a keynote address on the international benefits of national satellites. Jean-Yves Le Gall, Chairman and CEO, Arianespace will share his thoughts on gaining access to space.

CEO and Founder of Space Adventures, Eric Anderson, will outline the importance of space exploration and research, and will be joined in the same session by Yamin Mustafa, Managing Director, Marsh Limited who will talk about transferring risks for space missions.

The second day of the conference will commence with a keynote address by Professor Dr. Orhan Altan, President of ISPRS, followed by a speech by Dr Majed Al Mansoori - Secretary General of the Environmental Agency - Abu Dhabi on space technology for environment monitoring and emergency response.

President of the International Space University, Dr Michael Simpson, will discuss niche opportunities for space entrepreneurs and Major Dr. Mohammed Alahbabi of the UAE Armed Forces will highlight the UAE's Yahsat Satellite program and its advantages in times of disaster or crisis.

H.E. Ahmed Obaid Al Mansoori, Director General of the Emirates Institution for Advanced Science and Technology, UAE will provide a vision for the space sector in the UAE on the third day of the conference and Dr Burton Lee, Principal of Space Angels Network, Silicon Valley, US will give a keynote address on financing early stage space adventures.

Organised by Streamline Marketing Group and sponsored by Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd, Space Adventures, Marsh Limited and Arianespace, the Global Space Technology Forum will draw senior representatives from space agencies and national space programmes, government officials, policy makers, entrepreneurs, investors and scientists, in addition to aviation and aerospace representatives.

Nick Webb, Director of Streamline Marketing Group said:

"The UAE is increasing efforts to become a serious aviation and aerospace commercial, technical and services hub, and this is reflected by the outstanding calibre of global space experts who will speak at the conference."

"The conference will provide a platform for visitors and delegates from national space agencies, research institutions, governments and private companies to discuss space related commercial and investment opportunities, and we hope that investors and entrepreneurs across the Middle East will be inspired to get involved with this fast growing industry," continued Webb.

The Global Space Technology Exhibition will run alongside the conference, providing a unique opportunity for worldwide space industry organisations to highlight their products, services, technologies and capabilities.

This year's exhibitor line up includes the UAE Space Reconnaissance Centre, Virgin Galactic, Thales Alenia Space, Geo Eye, International Space University, Emirates Institution for Advanced Science and Technology, Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd, LSE Space Middle East and Global Scan Technologies.