The UAE Space Agency (UAESA) and Amazon Web Services (AWS) have signed a Statement of Strategic Intent and Cooperation to support the creation of a vibrant, sustainable, competitive, and innovative space sector in the Emirates.
Through this cooperation, the AWS will collaborate with the UAE Space Agency and related UAE government space organizations and institutions on three specific initiatives, which are the “Space Industry Development Program”, “Talent for Space Program”, and “Open Data Sponsorship Program.”
The Space Industry Development Program focuses both on the growth of existing commercial space organizations and the promotion of an environment conducive to new entrants like space startups.
According to the statement, “This initiative is set to provide them access to AWS Activate and the AWS Founders program, both designed to provide startups with AWS credits, technical training, and business support. In addition, this initiative will provide UAE commercial companies, startups, universities, and civil and government entities access to AWS experts.”
The Talent for Space Program includes outreach and training designed to support talent development for the space industry in the UAE, particularly in regard to cloud computing and big data. Specifically, AWS will offer related research institutions with the ready-to-teach Cloud Career Pathways curriculum.
Furthermore, the Open Data Sponsorship Program initiative will encourage collaboration among the UAE space and research community through the sharing of data sets on AWS related to space data-driven initiatives such as space surveillance and space situational awareness programs.
Mr. Ibrahim Al Qasim, Deputy Director-General of the UAE Space Agency, said that 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.
“This agreement with Amazon Web Services comes as a part of our objectives and goals in providing our national talents, startups, and SMEs with the best skills and learning programs, in addition, to enabling companies working in this sector with the best applications and facilities,” Mr. Al Qasim added.
Mr. Wojciech Bajda, Director, Public Sector Middle East, and Africa at Amazon Web Services commented that, “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. We look forward to working together on these initiatives as the UAE Space Agency continues to make important contributions to science and the global space industry and support the growth of the space sector.”
