The 10-week programme is open to UAE nationals working in both public and private sectors, academic researchers in EO or related fields, and graduates with backgrounds in STEM, programming or AI.
The UAE Space Agency has announced the opening of registration for the second edition of its Space Applications Earth Observation training programme, scheduled to begin on April 14, 2025. This initiative is spearheaded by the National Space Academy, a transformative programme developed by the Agency, in partnership with Space42, the UAEs advanced AI-powered SpaceTech company.
The training programme forms a core part of the UAE Space Agencys broader strategy to equip Emirati professionals, researchers and graduates with practical knowledge in key space-related fields, including remote sensing, artificial intelligence and space data analysis. By targeting skill development in these areas, the programme aims to prepare a new generation of engineers and scientists who can play a central role in advancing the nations growing space sector.
His Excellency Salem Butti Al Qubaisi, Director-General of the UAE Space Agency, stressed that the training programme is a key initiative in the Agency’s efforts to realise the UAEs vision of developing and empowering Emirati talent with the skills needed for the future. Al Qubaisi explained that over the past year, 70% of the National Space Academy’s graduates were employed in the space sector, as part of the strategy to invest in the development of specialised national cadres.
Al Qubaisi said: “We are preparing a generation of engineers and scientists to lead national space projects, compete globally and promote the UAEs leadership in this sector. We aim to do this by offering training and practical opportunities that arm our youth with experience, skills and confidence. We believe that investing in people is the cornerstone of the sector’s sustainability. This programme, and other similar initiatives, reflects our commitment to transforming knowledge into effective competencies capable of contributing to the UAEs journey towards an advanced and sustainable knowledge economy.”
Hasan Al Hosani, CEO, Bayanat Smart Solutions, Space42, stated: “This programme opens doors for young Emiratis who want to shape the future of space through real-world experience and applied knowledge. It introduces participants to the practical convergence of AI, Earth Observation, and geospatial analytics, the three core domains Space42 is scaling globally. Our mandate is to deliver sovereign capabilities with global relevance, and this effort reflects our alignment with the UAEs National Space Strategy 2030. At Space42, one of our strategic principles is investing in local talent, and we see this as more than technical training; it is a launchpad for the next generation of innovators, builders, and leaders in the UAEs space journey.”
The ten-week training programme, running from May 13 to July 17, 2025, is open to UAE nationals who are employed in either government or private sector entities, as well as to academic researchers working in fields related to Earth observation data, remote sensing or geospatial sciences. It is also open to graduates with backgrounds in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), as well as those with expertise in programming or artificial intelligence. The programme is delivered through a hands-on approach, blending lectures, workshops and practical training to enhance participants’ ability to apply remote sensing and artificial intelligence technologies in creating innovative space solutions.
