UAE SPACE AGENCY AND AIRBUS GROUP PARTNER TO FOSTER TALENT DEVELOPMENT
AMONG UAE YOUTH THROUGH STEM EDUCATION INITIATIVE
UAE Space Agency to launch its strategic plan on 25 May
Airbus Little Engineer Space workshop introduces 15-17 year olds students to the exciting
challenges of working in the field of space.
18 May 2015 – Abu Dhabi, UAE: The UAE Space Agency and Airbus Group, a world leading
player in the space industry, join forces to roll-out a first series of Airbus Little Engineer Space
workshops for the first time in the Middle East.
The inaugural workshop will challenge some 100 students between 15 and 17 years old to carry out
a simulation of a launch mission to space. The Airbus Little Engineer Space workshop focuses on
introducing students to the world of space exploration and enhancing their understanding of both
the benefits and applications of space technology. Over the course of four hours, students will
assemble and launch a rocket, set up a base and establish communications.
In addition to its direct STEM applications, Airbus Little Engineer Space workshops will help
students practice soft skills including teamwork, communication, critical thinking, public speaking
and creativity.
The event coincides with the strategy launch of the UAE Space Agency on the 25 May 2015, where
the Agency will share with international stakeholders its vision and mission and strategic plan, as
well as highlight the importance of the Space industry for the UAE.
Airbus Little Engineer initiative aim at instilling a passion for science at an early age and
encouraging students to enter Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields
through a series of exciting, hands-on workshops.
The workshops will also be offered as part of the Global Space & Satellite Forum from 26-27 May
2015, which is officially hosted by the UAE Space Agency.
His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Al Ahbabi, Director General of the UAE Space Agency, said: “One of
the foremost goals of the UAE Space Agency is to directly engage with students, to inspire them to
think about space, technology, and their role in building the future of our nation. We’re extremely
pleased to be working with Airbus Group to deliver such an exciting series of workshops to students
that will encourage the next generation of scientists, engineers, physicists, and mathematicians who
will make the UAE a world leader in STEM related industries.”
Encouraging students to enter STEM fields is a key goal of the UAE Space Agency and a priority of
the UAE Vision 2021 to ensure that the UAE develops the human capital necessary to create a
world-leading knowledge economy. Since its launch in 2012, Airbus Little Engineer initiative
successfully positioned itself as effective vehicle for discovery-based learning, working to enlighten
and empower youth in the areas of science and technology. The initiative has reached over 1,200
students across the Middle East.
Habib Fekih, President Airbus Group Africa and Middle East said: “Airbus Little Engineer is more
than an initiative; it’s a commitment to the youth in the Middle East and the aerospace industry. As a
world leading player in the space sector, we are very proud to launch the Airbus Little Engineer
Space workshop in collaboration with the UAE Space agency as it embarks in a historical mission to
Mars. Talent building requires investment, support and cooperation, this initiative is a direct
reflection of our efforts to invest in the local community and support the country’s efforts in creating
a sustainable stream of UAE talent for the aerospace industry.
The UAE Space Agency and Airbus Group are also planning to run future workshops at schools
across the UAE throughout the year.
The Global Space & Satellite Forum will discuss topics such as Space technology applications,
innovative solutions, low-cost satellite developments such as macro and nano satellites, and how
satellite systems are improving lives— ranging from life-saving developments in the field of disaster
management to the delivery of entertainment media via handheld consumer devices.
The 5th annual GSSF will bring together key regional and international stakeholders and decision
makers from the space and satellite sector.
ENDS
About the UAE Space Agency
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has embarked on an historic initiative via setting up a Space Agency that will
join others in promoting space exploration and contributing to the global scientific space community.
The UAE Space Agency has developed a strategic framework to guide the Agency in executing its mandates
dictated by the Decree that was established in July 2014. These areas include developing the space sector,
creating space policy and regulation, supporting the development of a generation of engineers and scientists
and directing national space programs that will have direct benefits to the UAE’s economy and developing
human capital.
For more information, please contact us on:
media@space.gov.ae
Phone: +971 (0) 2022 202 2
About Airbus Group
Airbus Group is a global leader in aeronautics, space and related services. In 2014, the Group – comprising
Airbus, Airbus Defence and Space and Airbus Helicopters – generated revenues of € 60.7 billion and
employed a workforce of around 138,600.
For more information, please contact:
Samsana Ismail
+971 561717025
About GSSF
The Global Space and Satellite Forum provides an invaluable opportunity for international experts to meet
with regional leaders and discuss satellite projects underway across the Middle East, Africa & South Asia
region.
Now in its 5th successful year, GSSF 2015 will also host top ranking officials from over 30 regional national
space projects and research centres and feature parallel conferences, numerous technical seminars, product
showcase area and a number of networking events throughout the event.
Senior representatives from NASA, ESA, Chinese National Space Agency, and Roskosmos have addressed
the summit in the past. The event is held in partnership with many regional and international organisations.