Photo has been used for illustrative purposes.

Imran Mojib, Special Correspondent

The UAE Space Agency announced that 10 winners have been selected to join the Arab Space Pioneers Programme’s inaugural edition, the first intensive scientific training programme of its kind in the Arab world.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, launched the first-of-its-kind specialised training programme earlier in July in line with the launch of the UAE’s Hope Probe to Mars - the Arab world’s first interplanetary mission.

The programme, overseen by the UAE Space Agency, aims to build Arab expertise in space science and technologies and empower the region’s talents in the creative and scientific industry to practice their passion in space-related studies.

The Arab Space Pioneers Programme aims to prepare Arab talent across various disciplines of space science, research and technology, and nurture the scientific competencies of Arab youth that are passionate about space exploration and science.

Within two weeks of its launch, the Arab Space Pioneers drew an overwhelming 37,000 applications from creative talents, researchers and inventors across the Arab world.

Egypt took the lead with 19,391 applications, followed by Iraq (6,447), Algeria (4,836), Morocco (3,107), UAE (692), Jordan (681), Palestine (422), Syria (406), Tunisia (370) and Saudi Arabia (361).

The candidates chosen for the Talent Track include Muhammad Al Sayed Subai (17 years), Salah El Din Jalal (17 years) and Nuran Al Sayed (16 years) from Egypt, Nuran Al Youssef (16 years) and Fatima Al Abdullah (16 years) from Saudi Arabia, Muhammad Zakaria (15 years) from Algeria, and Muhammad Al Jroub (16 years) from Jordan. Finally, the candidates selected in the Student Track are Maria Muhammad from the Comoros, Muhammad Abdel Jawad from Syria, and Asmaa Al Mismari from Saudi Arabia.

The Student Track provides an opportunity for scientifically proficient Arab students to obtain scholarships in space science and technology and earn a master’s or doctoral degree from the United Arab Emirates University. The participants will receive training in the space research and development centers and laboratories in the UAE.

The Talent Track provides an opportunity for talented school students in the Arab world to learn more about space sciences and technology and helps build their knowledge by preparing them to join careers in this exciting field.

The Expert Track is designed for scientists, specialists, and professionals in space-related disciplines who are capable of contributing to the development of space science and technology, such as supporting the designing and building of satellites and processing of space data based on technical standards and conditions that meet the requirements of each project.

Following the close of registration, a specialised committee of scientists and researchers comprehensively evaluated the applicants based on their qualifications and achievements in science and research and on innovative skills that can be enhanced.

This step shortlisted the 15 candidates that advanced into the final stage of selection to the Arab Space Pioneers Programme, including five candidates for the Expert Track, three candidates for the Student Track, and seven candidates for the Talent Track.

Sarah Bint Yousif Al Amiri, Minister of State for Advanced Sciences, and Chairwoman of the UAE Space Agency, said: “The Arab Space Pioneers Programme identifies the most competent Arab scientific talent, and works with them to translate their passion for space sciences into reality, develop their ideas through providing specialized training, and thereby, contribute to strengthening the Arab space sector.”

Meanwhile, Iconic “golf balls” or the spherical structures atop Etisalat’s office buildings across the UAE lit up in red in commemoration of the arrival UAE’s Hope Probe to Mars.

Etisalat is supporting the nationwide “Arabs to Mars” campaign, with an aim to raise awareness on a historic UAE and Arab achievement through its official social media channels, eLife and SMS. Etisalat will change its network name in honour of the Arab world’s major breakthrough in space exploration.