UAE to Launch Second Emirati-Built Satellite in 2023

FILE PHOTO: Prime Minister and Vice-President of the United Arab Emirates and ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum attends the Global Women's Forum in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, February 16, 2020. REUTERS/Christopher Pike/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: Prime Minister and Vice-President of the United Arab Emirates and ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum attends the Global Women's Forum in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, February 16, 2020. REUTERS/Christopher Pike/File Photo
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UAE to Launch Second Emirati-Built Satellite in 2023

FILE PHOTO: Prime Minister and Vice-President of the United Arab Emirates and ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum attends the Global Women's Forum in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, February 16, 2020. REUTERS/Christopher Pike/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: Prime Minister and Vice-President of the United Arab Emirates and ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum attends the Global Women's Forum in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, February 16, 2020. REUTERS/Christopher Pike/File Photo

The United Arab Emirates is developing a satellite dubbed MBZ-Sat intended to deliver high-resolution imagery, Dubai’s ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum said on Wednesday, as part of efforts to develop scientific and technological capabilities.

It will be the second Emirati satellite to be fully developed and built by a team of Emirati engineers following the KhalifaSat, which launched in 2018.

The satellite development is taking place at Dubai’s Mohammed bin Rashid Space Center. MBZ-Sat is expected to be launched in 2023.

Sheikh Mohammed said it would be the region’s most advanced civilian satellite in the field of high-resolution satellite imagery but gave no further detail.

In July, the UAE launched the first Arab mission to Mars, the Hope Probe, Reuters reported.

The UAE first announced plans for the Mars mission in 2014 and launched a National Space Program in 2017 to help develop local expertise.



Riyadh Region Governor to Patronize Grand Horse Racing Festival Event on Saturday

File photo by SPA
File photo by SPA
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Riyadh Region Governor to Patronize Grand Horse Racing Festival Event on Saturday

File photo by SPA
File photo by SPA

Under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and deputizing for Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Governor of Riyadh Region Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz will patronize on Saturday January, 25 the annual Grand Horse Racing Festival for King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud's (Founder) Cup and the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' two cups for local production (first grade) and open grades classified within the third category races internationally, at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Janadriya next Saturday evening.
On this occasion, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Equestrian Authority and the Jockey Club, Prince Bandar bin Khalid bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz, expressed his gratitude to the wise leadership for their unwavering support of equestrian activities and races, SPA reported.

This support has been instrumental in enhancing the Kingdom's horse racing, establishing its prominent position among leading nations with a rich heritage in the sport.
Prince Bandar further emphasized that the support received has enhanced the Kingdom's standing with the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities and has been crucial in securing the international federation's approval and improvement of both local and international cups and championships.