UAE to Chair UN's Committee on The Peaceful Uses of Outer Space

Omran Sharaf seen at the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space meeting. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Omran Sharaf seen at the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space meeting. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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UAE to Chair UN's Committee on The Peaceful Uses of Outer Space

Omran Sharaf seen at the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space meeting. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Omran Sharaf seen at the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space meeting. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The UAE will chair the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS).

The 100-member state committee is one of the largest UN committees. It was established by the UN General Assembly in 1959 to govern the exploration and use of space.

It was tasked with reviewing international cooperation in the peaceful exploration and use of outer space, studying space-related activities, encouraging space research programs and studying and recommending policy and the legal infrastructure supporting space exploration.

Omran Sharaf, who will now chair COPUOS for a period of two years (2022-2023), serves as the project director of the Emirates Mars Mission (EMM) at the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Center in Dubai, UAE.

Sharaf was the first Emirati engineer to travel to Korea in the country’s technology transfer program, which saw him working on the development of the DubaiSat-1 and DubaiSat-2 remote sensing satellites.

During his time in Korea, Sharaf gained his Master's degree in Science and Technology Policy from the Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), South Korea, in 2013.

Sharaf said the space sector in the UAE is witnessing successive achievements.

He pointed out that it is a qualified sector, thanks to the future vision that prioritizes the development process, in light of the mass capacities and scientific expertise the UAE has in this field.

The UAE said winning the presidency is of great importance to it, stressing that this phase requires setting space policies.

World countries compete to launch dozens of satellites, thus the committee's role will be pivotal in building policies to ensure the sustainability of space and encourage adopting a regulatory framework calling for acting responsibly.

UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed said electing Omran to chair the committee is a new achievement for the state and reflects the world’s appreciation for its programs and contributions in the field of space.

“We wish Omran every success in leading this committee and implementing its goals and projects.”

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, expressed his pride in the UAE and Omran, noting that the country’s youths have reached space, they lead global issues and run international institutions.

During its presidency of the intergovernmental organization, the UAE seeks to bolster the efforts of space and science diplomacy at the global level, promote fair and peaceful access to space for all world countries, and compliance with international legal frameworks and UN treaties governing the safety and sustainability of outer space among the member states.

It further aims to support and encourage knowledge transfer programs among member states as a way to accomplish tasks more efficiently and a tool to develop the global space economy and promote the exchange and development of new and innovative practices of the committee’s work system, in line with international law.

Sarah al-Amiri, Minister of State for Public Education and Advanced Technology and Chairwomen of the UAE Space Agency, said, “It’s a great honor for the Emirates to take the chair of COPUOS, particularly as we founded our space program on international partnerships and collaboration and continue to place these partnerships at the core of our space sector development.”



Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Commitment to Digital Cooperation to Serve Humanity, Sustainable Growth

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs a Cabinet session - SPA
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs a Cabinet session - SPA
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Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Commitment to Digital Cooperation to Serve Humanity, Sustainable Growth

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs a Cabinet session - SPA
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs a Cabinet session - SPA

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chaired the Cabinet session held Tuesday in Jeddah.
The Cabinet reviewed overall state activities, particularly those aimed at developing cooperation and partnership relations, and enhancing areas of coordination and integration with brotherly and friendly countries.

According to SPA, this focus will reinforce the Kingdom's position and pivotal role on the global stage, given the promising opportunities and unique capabilities provided by its vision.
The Cabinet also discussed the outcomes of Saudi Arabia’s participation in various regional and international meetings, underscoring its ongoing commitment to joint action that serves mutual interests, benefits all parties, and contributes to addressing global challenges.
The Cabinet noted the Kingdom’s participation in the World Summit on the Information Society in Switzerland, where it reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing digital cooperation and supporting the International Telecommunication Union's goals that aim to harness modern technologies to serve humanity and promote sustainable growth.
In his remarks to the Saudi Press Agency following the session, Minister of State, Cabinet Member for Shura Council Affairs, and Acting Minister of Media Dr. Essam bin Saeed stated that the Cabinet expressed its appreciation for the commendation received at the High-Level Meeting on Sand and Dust Storms, held at the United Nations Headquarters. The meeting praised the Kingdom’s efforts to protect the environment at local, regional, and global levels, as well as its effective initiatives in developing early warning systems and fostering scientific cooperation to mitigate the impacts of dust storms.
The Cabinet noted the significant achievements of the Financial Sector Development Program and the Human Capability Development Program. These initiatives have successfully contributed to enhancing financial sustainability, supporting the national economy, and boosting the competitiveness of national cadres both locally and globally. This success has been achieved through a continuous system of education and learning that aligns with the evolving needs and requirements of the labor market.
The Cabinet also commended the efforts of government agencies involved in launching and integrating the artificial intelligence (AI) curriculum across all levels of general education. This strategic initiative aims to prepare a generation equipped with future-ready skills, accelerating the transition to a knowledge-based society and solidifying the Kingdom’s global position in advanced technologies.
The Cabinet considered the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s global leadership in the growth of international tourism receipts in the first quarter of 2025 as a reflection of the rapid development in this vital sector, which now leads in international indicators.