UAE Press: Emirates is an established space power

The UAE's leading of the United Nations (UN) committee working to promote the peaceful use of outer space is an outstanding achievement, a local daily has commented.

"Currently, the UAE's elevation to the chair of the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, with Omran Sharaf, the Emirati engineer who led the successful Mars mission, serving as the committee's director for 2022 and next year, is an acknowledgement of the nation's innovation and ambition," said Gulf News in an editorial on Saturday.

The committee, in operation since 1959, is one of the largest at the UN. With 100 member states, it plays a key role in peaceful uses of space, encouraging international cooperation and recommending laws and policies that support space exploration.

Hailing UAE's election to the chair of the august body, President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan said he was proud of Omran Sharaf, and added that the UAE continues to make notable contributions to the space sector, wishing Omran success in his new role.

Moreover, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, expressed his happiness over the UAE’s achievement and noted that the country's youth have reached space, leading global issues and running international institutions.

The editorial comment stated, "Thanks to the leadership's vision, the UAE has indeed come a long way to become a top global votary on space safety for all mankind. With a vision to strengthen space and science diplomacy, the UAE aims to encourage peaceful access to space for all countries, and ensure member states' compliance with international legal frameworks.

"As a leading voice that encourages knowledge transfer programmes among member states, in line with international law, the UAE will continue to ensure that it upholds those values during its tenure as the chair of the space committee," concluded the Dubai-based daily.