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Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) participated in ‘The Future is Space’ webinar, in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), as part of the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX), Naval Defence Exhibition (NAVDEX), and the International Defence Conference 2021. The webinar provided young students targeting careers in the space sector with training and insight into the industry, inspiring future generations of UAE talent.

ADNEC’s participation in the webinar came during IDEX and NAVDEX 2021, the global defence exhibitions which were the first live in-person events to take place in the COVID-19 recovery phase. Given the close, intricate, and interwoven nature of the defence and space sectors, the webinar aimed to spark interest and inspiration in the possibilities for research and development collaboration between the two industries. Through this event,ADNEC sought to transfer knowledge into the UAE, promoting a knowledge-based economy that can continue to support the nation’s success and excellence over the next fifty years.

IDEX and NAVDEX are pivotal events in Abu Dhabi, and the Higher Organising Committee of the event were profoundly enthusiastic to support younger generations through this webinar. The virtual session enabled the vital transfer and exchange of knowledge. The webinar shared engineering insights with future generations, providing them with a greater appreciation into aerospace engineering and science data analysis. IDEX and NAVDEX have been key in creating opportunities through collaboration with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre and the defence manufacturing sectors, along with international space agencies, through organising such a session to enable student learning.

Saeed Al Shamsi, Chief Human Capital Officer at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company attended the webinar, alongside Dr. So-yeon Yi, the first Korean astronaut and a prominent scientist and researcher, as well as Emiratis at the forefront of the UAE’s space sector, including female engineers Maryam Yousuf, Researcher in Earth & Planetary Section at the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, and Manar Al Zaabi, GNC Engineer in Aerospace and Defence Applications from the Tawazan Economic Council.

The session included a talk from Maryam Yousuf, who led an unparalleled and exclusive insight into the technical processes of bringing the Hope Probe mission, including preparing for the spacecraft’s 209 million kilometre, seven month long journey, alongside the critical period of ensuring the satellite entered Martian orbit.

Saeed Al Shamsi, Chief Human Capital Officer at Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company commented: “As the organisers of IDEX and NAVDEX, we are committed to providing young people today with the opportunity to learn and be inspired by global leaders in the defence and the space sector. Thewebinar was in line with the goal of knowledge transfer, and continues to enable the growth of the UAE’s competitive knowledge-based economy, in line with the nation’s ambitious and thorough developmental plans.

“Space and defence are intricately interwoven, with research from the security sector being used to fuel humanity’s exploration of the stars. Following the momentous and historic arrival of the Hope Probe into Martian orbit, both young Emiratis and young Arabs look to the cosmos with possibility. At ADNEC, we are proud to support making their dreams become a reality through hosting events such as IDEX and NAVDEX 2021.”

Khuloud AlDhaheri, Executive Director Education Partnerships Sector at Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) said: “As part of our mission to enable Abu Dhabi students to explore STEM educational pathways and future career opportunities via the Rize University Preparation and Career Guidance (Rize UPCG) program, ADEK has collaborated with ADNEC, IDEX, NAVDEX and the International Defense Conference (IDC) to spark student’s curiosity in the space and engineering sectors as future career options. Following the success of the UAE’s historic Hope Probe mission, Abu Dhabi students are looking to the stars for space sector opportunities and more than 1,500 students heard the webinar panelists’ inspirational stories, with the enriching engagement set to propel their own space and STEM career exploration journeys.”