Adnan Al Rais
When Dubai brought the world of space exploration to the emirate
DUBAI ’ S HOSTING OF THE 72ND INTERNATIONAL ASTRONAUTICAL CONGRESS WAS AN OVERWHELMING SUCCESS , ADDING FURTHER MOMENTUM TO THE CITY ’ S BURGEONING SPACE SECTOR . WE OFFER A SHORT CASE STUDY OF THAT EVENT AND EXPLORE IMPLICATIONS FOR THE REGION .
T he International Astronautical Congress is an annual event organised by the International Astronautical Federation , held since 1950 to bring all global space actors together and offer them the latest space information and developments in academia and industry , networking opportunities , contacts and potential partnerships .
Dubai ’ s bid for the IAC was led by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre ( MBRSC ), a Dubai government organisation responsible for the UAE space programme . Bidding for the event aligned with its vision is to be a leading , globally recognised centre in the field of space science technological innovation and advanced technology to enrich human knowledge .
MBRSC collaborated closely with Dubai Business Events as well as other stakeholders on the bid , and was awarded the congress in 2017 . Ultimately taking place 25-29 October 2021 , it became the first edition of the congress to be held in person since the start of the pandemic , as well as the first to be organised in an Arab country .
Attracting over 5,000 delegates from 110 countries , and 1,500 additional participants during the Public Day , the world ’ s premier global space event
“ The legacy of IAC 2021 was felt across the region , and acted as a catalyst for other nations to establish space centres and agencies ” exceeded every expectation by putting together an outstanding programme under the theme : ‘ Inspire , Innovate and Discover for the Benefit of Humankind ’.
The IAC 2021 came to the UAE at a fortuitous juncture , following closely on the heels of the launch of the Emirates Mars Mission ( Hope Probe ), the Arab world ’ s first space exploration craft to Mars . 2021 also marked the second anniversary of the return of the first Emirati astronaut from the International Space Station and the third anniversary of the launch of KhalifaSat — the first Earth-observation satellite to be produced wholly by Emiratis .
These achievements were symbolic of the commencement of a new era in the region ; the IAC 2021 became the opportunity to highlight how space science and technology contribute to a nation ’ s progress .
Eng . Adnan Al Rais – co chair for the Local Organising Committee of the IAC , said : “ Hosting IAC 2021 was a knowledge enrichment platform for the youth in the fields of space science and technology . It acted as an accelerator for STEM education , and was a source of enormous pride and inspiration for the next generations who are hoping to participate in the space sector .
“ The legacy of IAC 2021 was felt across the region , and acted as a catalyst for other nations to establish space centres and agencies .”
However , the impact of both the IAC 2021 being hosted in Dubai and the arrival of the Emirates Mars Mission - Hope in the same year sent a strong message that reached beyond the borders of the UAE .
26 / CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD / ISSUE 122