Expo 2020 Dubai’s ‘Space Week’ to launch on October 17

The out-of-this-world event, which runs from 17th to 23rd October and is held in association with the UAE Space Agency and the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), will appeal to all ages, including everything from high-level discussions to a chat with two of the UAE’s first astronauts.

It will tackle engaging topics such as the UAE’s space vision; how space exploration is being used for good back on Earth; the international cooperation through new coalitions and partnerships in the space industry that are bringing together less-represented nations; women’s vital contributions to space exploration; sustainability in space and cleaning ‘space waste’; and intergenerational dialogues.

Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemy, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director-General of Expo 2020 Dubai, said, "The safe, productive and responsible exploration of space is a growing priority for all of humanity. Nations large and small, economies developed and emerging, are today taking their first strides into space in the hope and expectation that what we learn will positively impact our lives on Earth, and beyond.

"In the areas of climate change, food security, water management and much more, our understanding has the potential to be reshaped by what we learn from the sky above, whether through the study of carbon dioxide levels in the Earth’s atmosphere, or the intelligent application of satellite data for the benefit of agricultural development or through advances in water purification that bring space station tech to villages in sub-Saharan Africa.

"At Expo 2020 Dubai we join with more than 60 nations in our exploration of this common good, and in the creation of partnerships that will ensure that the gains we make are achieved and shared globally. In the days of the original Space Race, in the early days of the UAE, we explored because we could. Half a century later on the occasion of the UAE Golden Jubilee, we explore because we must."

Sarah bint Yousif Al Amiri, Minister of State for Advanced Technology and Chair of the UAE Space Agency, said, "As we expand our horizons after launching an interplanetary journey to explore Venus and the asteroid belt, greater international collaboration and cooperation among space-faring nations has never been so important.

"We play an active role in strengthening partnerships with leading organisations globally to promote peaceful and mutually beneficial space exploration. Expo 2020 Dubai's Space Week represents an opportunity to build on our long-standing relationships with a wide range of stakeholders to deliver on our mission: creating a world-class space sector in the UAE."

Launching the event on 17th October, The People’s Mission: Citizens in Space Exploration and Space Tech for Inclusive Development, co-curated with Mozambique, the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and the USA, is a day for everyone – beginners and enthusiasts – with an interest in space.

Featuring chats with astronauts Hazza Al Mansouri and Noura Al Matroushi, it will showcase the wonders of the cosmos and demonstrate the accessibility of the space sector, bringing astronauts, popular astronomers and space scientists together to share their latest discoveries and missions.

Yousuf Hamad AlShaibani, Director-General, MBRSC, said, "We are proud to host The People’s Mission: Citizens in Space Exploration event during Space Week at Expo 2020, and we look forward to welcoming the international space community and global stakeholders to Dubai.

"To focus on the future of the space sector, we need improved cooperation between countries and other sectors to deliver on further discoveries and new revelations. We are certain that the event will hold meaningful and detailed discussions of the future of space and will further encourage development and innovation in the space sector and contribute to the advancement of human knowledge."

Expo 2020 Dubai’s Space Business Forum, co-curated with Dubai Chamber, on 18th October, will focus on the sustainable growth of the international space sector and creating value for society. The stellar line-up includes Sarah bint Yousif Al Amiri; Naoko Yamazaki, former JAXA Astronaut, Space Policy Committee Member and the second Japanese woman in space; and high-level attendees from NASA and the national space agencies of Luxembourg and South Africa.

Four World Majlis sessions and one Women’s Pavilion Majlis will be hosted during Space Week. On 21st October, Hope and Perseverance: Lessons Learnt from the Red Planet for Life on Earth will examine what the exploration of Mars suggests for the future of our species on another planet, with a panel from around the world. With private companies competing against each other and governments, what will the priorities – scientific, commercial and ethical – be in our quest to explore the Red Planet? Other events include Never Be Lost: Learn to Read the Stars on 23rd October at the Australia Pavilion, part of the Cultures in Conversation series programmed by Alserkal, which will bring together both digital and physical celestial presentations, culminating with a poetry reading by leading Emirati poet, artist and film director Nujoom Alghanem.

Also on 23rd October, space travel and sustainability of the space environment will be discussed at Protecting the Great Unknown, held at The Nexus for People & Planet in association with the UAE Space Agency and co-curated with Slovenia. The event will include a keynote speech by Maruška Strah, Executive Director, World Space Week.

Expo’s extra-terrestrial enjoyment doesn’t end when Space Week finishes on 23rd October, however. The curated Space Walk visitor journey, a self-guided tour available via the Expo 2020 app, takes a voyage to the stars, exploring how off-world technology and discovery can change life on Earth for the better.