During his speech at the opening session, His Excellency, Prof. Hamid M.K. Al Naimiy, President of the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences and Chancellor of the University of Sharjah, has welcomed the President of APSCO and participants of the conference from various countries, stressing that the UoS is working according to its strategic plan with the direct follow up by Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and President of the University of Sharjah, who constantly direct the UOS to conduct research projects that meets current and future requirements of life and are in line with the national agenda.
“This conference constitutes a significant occasion for us all as well as the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences (AUASS) because astronomy and space sciences play a major role in building our knowledge through new space explorations, including exploration of the moon and beyond. You are aware of the successive, rapid achievements and discoveries made by advanced countries in astronomy, space sciences and technology. Fortunately, many of these astronomy and space activities have begun to appear in Arab world in a clear and distinct manner over the past five years after a long absence that lasted for many years. Such activities include the establishment of space institutions and astronomical observatories in a clear and promising manner. For example, the United Arab Emirates established the UAE Space Agency in Abu Dhabi, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) in Dubai, and the Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences and Technology (SAASST) in Sharjah. The UAE has paid tremendous attention to these fields such that space sciences and technology have become among the top national priorities, as the UAE has allocated billions of dollars to these areas for national projects” said Al Naimiy.
The chancellor praised the efforts of the Arab scholars and researchers in the field of space and astronomy and their role in reviving the Arabic and Islamic astronomical heritage, pointing out that many Arab countries are planning and embarking on building space and astronomical observatories and centers, establishing space departments, astronomical societies and clubs and educational space programs in universities. Al Naimiy has also emphasized the fundamental role of educational institutions in the Arab world and said :”The integration of astronomy, space sciences and technology into public schools and universities curricula will have a significant impact in qualifying the best specialists, researchers and engineers, as well as incorporating the applications of space sciences and technology in industry, agriculture, medicine, national security and various areas related to human life. The development of academic programs and scientific and practical training courses devoted to space science and technology will attract younger generations to study these disciplines, which will ensure the advancement of economic competitiveness in the next decade to meet the future needs of humankind and Arab societies.”
Al Naimiy has also highlighted several related academic programs offered by UOS and SAASST in the field of astronomy, space and technology, stressing that these programs opens the door for hundreds of students to study and conduct research within the field of astronomy and space.
At the end of his speech, Al Naimiy impressed upon all Arab astronomical and space associations and institutions to pay the greatest attention to education, teaching/learning, research, development in the fields of space sciences, technology and the culture of astronomy, because these areas have become pivotal to human life, therefore it is necessary for all of us, and all those concerned, to ensure the systematic education and awareness of our youth in such sciences and specializations, which have important social, political, and economic implications.
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