MBRSC submits official bid to host 2020 International Astronautical Congress in Dubai

The Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, MBRSC, announced the submission of the official bid proposal to the International Astronautical Federation, IAF, to host the 71st International Astronautical Congress, IAC, in Dubai in 2020.

The IAF will announce the IAC’s 2020 hosting city on the final day of the coming edition, which will take place in Adelaide, Australia between 25th and 29th September, 2017.

The MBRSC’s bid proposal includes a thorough explanation about the UAE space sector, the Centre’s proposed plan to host the Congress, the importance of hosting the IAC for the first time in an Arab and Islamic country, and its positive impact on the space sector in the country and the region. Further, the bid proposal also mentions financial details and information about Dubai's economic, cultural and tourism advantages.

"We have applied to host this global event in Dubai, which stems from our strong international presence in the space field and our ambitious future vision for the space industry, research and sciences," said Yousuf Hamad Al Shaibani, Director-General of the MBRSC.

Al Shaibani pointed out that the Centre "has the support of a large number of local and international entities to host the conference, which includes federal and local organisations, space agencies, space companies, in addition to a number of universities in the UAE."

He stressed the coordination and co-operation with the UAE Space Agency in this regards, praising the Agency’s steps in boosting the UAE space sector into more leading positions on the global space map.

"Dubai has several distinguished features and capabilities that make the city ready to host important and prestigious international conferences. It has world-class infrastructure, logistic services, transportation systems, strategic geographic location and a long history of organising and hosting events.

"The UAE’s sustainable space programme and the vision to attain the sector’s development are among the main pillars that distinguish us," Al Shaibani concluded.

Eng. Salem Humaid Al Marri, Assistant Director-General for Scientific and Technical Affairs at MBRSC, said that a committee was established to prepare the official bid proposal, and it will be responsible for all future procedures and requirements.

He further praised "the efforts and support of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing."

"Our success in hosting the IAC 2020 will be an added value to the UAE's space sector and showcase our capabilities and potentials to attract world-class conferences to Dubai and the UAE," Al Marri noted.