ALHOSN University shows support for UAE’s ambitious space research and applications agenda

ALHOSN University, a leading Abu Dhabi-based university dedicated to high-quality value-based education, expressed its full support for the UAE’s growing space and satellite industry during the 2011 Global Space and Satellite Forum which ends today (Wednesday, May 11, 2011) at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).

The UAE’s space research and applications sector is currently the most advanced in the Middle East. Satellite-based land imaging and related services for the region alone are expected to become a USD 5.2 billion business by 2013. The country recently launched its second satellite, the government-funded Yahsat 1a, at a cost of USD 1.4 billion. Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi-based Aabar Investments is investing USD 280 million on the 2030 launch of Virgin Galactic’s USD 7.5 billion spaceport. Moreover, the Emirates Institution for Advanced Science and Technology has announced plans to unveil DubaiSat-2, a new remote sensing satellite.

Members of the ALHOSN Student Council along with select staff explained how the university’s various technical programs are aligned with the workforce requirements of the space and satellite industry during the Forum’s three-day run. Attending companies showed great interest in recruiting ALHOSN’s technically-adept graduates.  

“The Forum was a good platform for exposing our students to the rapidly growing space sector. We were also able to show participants that we have excellent programs in place that complement the professional standards of local, regional and global space and satellite companies. This experience will serve as a strong motivation for us to explore the development of additional specialized courses geared towards space research and applications,” said Prof. Abdul Rahim Sabouni, Vice Chancellor and CEO, ALHOSN University.

The 2011 Global Space and Satellite Forum drew a broad attendance of key decision makers, professional delegates, space enthusiasts, regional governmental bodies and young professionals interested in space research and applications. Key members of the space technology and satellite communications sectors from across the Middle East, Africa and South Asia discussed diverse topics ranging from satellite-based internet services to space policies. Participants also touched on the parallel growth of supporting industries such as law and insurance.

Founded in 2005, ALHOSN University has gained a strong reputation as one of Abu Dhabi’s top technical education providers. The university is encouraging more female students to take up its engineering courses to further diversify and reinforce the Emirates’ pool of technically-proficient talents. ALHOSN, which is open to students of all nationalities, offers 11 undergraduate and 7 graduate programs, all accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, under the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences, the Faculty of Business, and the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.