*** ----> Bahraini youth key to develop space sector: HH Shaikh Nasser | THE DAILY TRIBUNE | KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN

Bahraini youth key to develop space sector: HH Shaikh Nasser

TDT | Manama

Bahrain is keen to develop the space sector and youth will play a major role. 
This was emphasised by His Majesty the King’s Representative for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa as he underlined the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to set up the space sector in the Kingdom while encouraging the youth to get interested in space exploration.

HH Shaikh Nasser highlighted the royal directives of HM the King at the opening of the third session of the fifth legislative term to acquire future sciences and technology, including space sciences. He underlined HM the King’s keenness on developing national cadres and developing the space sector, pointing out in this regard the establishment of the National Space Science Authority (NSSA). HH Shaikh Nasser addressed a virtual forum via Zoom application under the theme ‘Zayed’s Ambitious Mission’.

UAE Ambassador to Bahrain HH Shaikh Sultan bin Hamdan Al Nahyan also took part in the virtual session. The UAE Embassy in Bahrain organised the event along with the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, the National Space Science Authority (NSSA), with the remote participation of more than 300 people. HH Shaikh Nasser hailed the UAE landmark achievements, which, he said, represents a source of pride for the Arab and Islamic nations. 
He paid tribute to UAE President HH Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Vice President, Prime Minister and Dubai Ruler HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for their keenness on encouraging the Emirati youth who brave challenges to achieve successive strides.

HH Shaikh Nasser commended solid relations binding the two brotherly countries and people, looking forward to bolstering joint co-operation in the sector of space sciences. 
He pointed out in this regard the selection of a Bahrain space team, in co-operation with the UAE Space Agency, and the joint project to build a satellite in addition to training programmes. HH Shaikh Nasser stressed the importance for the Arabian Gulf region to keep abreast of global space strides and develop high sea navigation.
 He urged the Bahraini and GCC and Arab youth to benefit from the encouraging opportunities provided by sincere and responsible leaders in their countries in order to innovate and excel in all fields. UAE Ambassador to Bahrain HH Shaikh Sultan bin Hamdan Al Nahyan addressed the virtual forum, welcoming the participation of His Highness Shaikh Nasser in session along with Emirati astronauts.

He commended the keenness of Emirati astronauts Hazza Al Space exploration Mansouri and Sultan Al Nayadi to take part in the forum and shed light on their rich experience as part of the ‘Zayed Ambitious Mission.’ He stressed the keenness of the UAE leadership to inspire and motivate the youth to embark on space exploration, highlight the success trip of Hazza Al Mansouri to the International Space Station (ISS) that represented an historic step for the United Arab Emirates.

Emirati astronauts Hazza Al Mansouri and Sultan Al Nayadi took part in the remote forum, which was moderated by NSSA Chief Executive Officer Dr Mohammed Al-Aseeri. They stressed their passion for space exploration as well as the difficulties which confronted them and highlighted the UAE impressive success in the space sector, stressing preparations to send the first UAE manned mission into space.