H. H. Sheikh Mohammed welcomes world as Astronautical Congress launches

As the world converges in Dubai for the International Astronautical Congress, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, showed his support via Twitter.

"I welcome everyone to the land of the Emirates, and we support alliances and initiatives that connect people scientifically and cognitively to the farthest planets and galaxies," Sheikh Mohammed wrote on Twitter.

أعرق مؤتمر ومعرض للفضاء في العالم ينطلق غداً في دورته ال72 في دولة الإمارات بمشاركة 110 دولة وكافة رؤساء وكالات الفضاء الدولية و4000 مشارك و100 شركة فضاء دولية.
أرحب بالجميع على أرض الإمارات، وندعم التحالفات والمبادرات التي توصل البشر علمياً ومعرفيا لأبعد الكواكب والمجرات

— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) October 24, 2021

The International Astronautical Congress, which is one of the world’s largest space events, kicks off today at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

The five-day event is being organised by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) in partnership with the International Astronautical Federation (IAF).

The event will see over 90 exhibitors, more than 110 countries, and space experts converging in the Arab world and the UAE for the first time.

At least 4,000 visitors have already registered for the event.

According to a statement, "the Congress is further structured to foster the creation of alliances and partnerships and will provide a platform to network with the global space sector’s leaders across government, industry and academia. It will also allow for collaboration and cooperation on a regional as well as international level."

One of the main aims of the event is to act as a catalyst for more Arab nations to join the International Astronautical Federation and engage with international partners to empower a new generation of space experts.

Over the next few days, participants will be able to access a rich plenary programme, which includes the Heads of Agencies roundtable, and various sessions focusing on Expedition 60/61, Future Mars Sample Return Missions, the role of Emerging Space Agencies, Small Satellites Solving Climate Challenges, Innovative Space Solutions for Search and Rescue and Life Saving Applications, and the views of the Next Generation on Social Responsibility in Space.

On the spot registrations are available to visitors at the location with registration prices available online.