UAE, Philippines to collaborate on space exploration

The UAE and the Philippines seek to further strengthen their 47-year bilateral relationship with collaborations in the space sector.

The UAE Space Agency hosted Hjayceelyn M. Quintana, Philippines Ambassador to the UAE, along with a delegation from the Philippines Space Agency, to explore potential collaborations in the space sector.

Ibrahim Al Qasim, Space Science Advisor at the UAE Space Agency, praised the strong and important ties between both nations.

Both countries are said to have bold and ambitious national roadmaps for space exploration and see great value in sharing knowledge and expertise that's help create an innovation-based economy.

"As our two countries accelerate the growth and increase investments into this exciting yet nascent industry, there will be many opportunities to collaborate and share knowledge and ideas as we work together to create new avenues for space-based innovation," Al Qasim added.

We were delighted to welcome the #Philippines Ambassador to the #UAE, Hjayceelyn M. Quintana alongside Philippines space agency representatives, for talks to deepen collaboration and cooperation in the exciting frontier of #space. pic.twitter.com/B2kdMejg7Z

— وكالة الإمارات للفضاء (@uaespaceagency) August 22, 2021

Though the UAE is a young nation with a relatively new space programme, the country has made and continues to make significant strides in space science, advanced technologies, and exploration.

As of August 23, it has 12 satellites in orbit, while a further six are under development.

Ambassador Quintana says both UAE and the Philippines have "one united vision," especially when it comes to the space sector.

The UAE and the Philippines have a deep and long-standing partnership built on decades of mutual collaboration and cooperation across a wide range of strategically important industries.