ABU DHABI, 7th May, 2025 (WAM) -- In line with the UAE's ambitious vision to lead and strengthen Arab cooperation in the space sector, the Arab Satellite 813 programme team has successfully concluded the System Integration Review (SIR), a pivotal milestone in the satellite's lifecycle, confirming the satellite's readiness to proceed to the final stages of environmental testing.

The review, conducted with the participation of senior leadership from the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), experts from the UAE Space Agency, and representatives from several technical entities, involved a comprehensive evaluation of subsystem readiness, final design verification, thermal and mechanical test plans, as well as confirmation of the successful integration between the payload and the platform.

Salem Butti Al Qubaisi, Director-General of UAE Space Agency, said, "The Arab Satellite 813 Project reflects the UAE's commitment to fostering joint Arab action in the space sector and its strategic vision to reinforce the region's position in advanced space industries. It also supports leading initiatives that unite Arab efforts and open new horizons for youth and Arab scientists and researchers."

Al Qubaisi added, "We believe that Arab cooperation in scientific fields is the foundation for building a future built on knowledge and innovation. This new achievement will certainly enhance Arab countries' ability to develop space solutions that support environmental sustainability and comprehensive development."

Al Qubaisi continued, "Space is a powerful and a strategic tool for building a diversified economy. Enabling local and Arab talents to lead qualitative global projects is the result of a long-term vision that invests in youth, science, and regional integration. The UAE will continue to support every Arab project that reflects our common ambitions and strengthens our position in the future knowledge-based economy."

On the other hand, Ali Al Shehhi, Director of the National Space Science and Technology Center (NSSTC), said, "The completion of the SIR for the Arab Satellite 813 is more than a technical achievement, it is a defining moment in our region's journey towards space self-reliance and scientific leadership."

Al Shehhi added, "This milestone reaffirms the UAE's commitment to enabling Arab collaboration in space, and to harnessing advanced technologies for environmental monitoring, knowledge transfer, and sustainable development. We are proud to lead a programme that carries regional purpose and global potential."

Furthermore, Eiman Al Shamsi, programme Manager of the 813 Project, said, "Today marks a pivotal milestone in the journey of the Arab Satellite 813 programme. The successful completion of the System Integration Review confirms that both the satellite and the NSSTC Assembly, Integration, and Testing (AIT) facilities are fully prepared for the final phases of integration and environmental testing."

Al Shamsi continued, "This achievement reflects the dedication and technical excellence of our team, the strength of our strategic partnerships, and our collective commitment to a mission that advances scientific research, supports education, and contributes to the growth of the national space sector."

The Arab Satellite 813 Project is the first space cooperation project between the Arab countries led by the UAE. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, announced Satellite 813 as a present to the Arab Space Cooperation Group at the Global Space Conference, in light of signing the charter of establishment. The UAE Space Agency funds and supervises the project, while the National Space Science and Technology Centre in the UAE University leads the execution of the project in collaboration with members of the Arab Space Cooperation Group.

The project will assist in environmental mapping and monitoring, archiving phenomena as well as identifying natural resources, studying land cover dynamics and crop conditions, analysing internal water quality and spread, evaluating land erosion and soil pollution versus climate, mining site conditions, in addition to geological exploration and detection of rare earth minerals (RE), and essential minerals.