Saudi Arabia Joins Forces for Arab Space Exploration Initiative
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has ratified the foundational treaty of the Arab Space Cooperation Group involving 14 member nations during a virtual session held on Sunday at the Saudi Space Commission (SSC) headquarters in Riyadh.
The Arab Space Cooperation Group is a regional entity focused on space, established in March 2019 in Abu Dhabi. Its purpose is to serve as a platform for harmonizing regional space initiatives among its member states. Saudi Arabia is a founding member of this collaborative effort.
This signing marks the official commencement of the Group’s role as a facilitator for coordinating space collaboration, directing Arab space joint ventures, and ensuring consistent regulations among space authorities. The Charter will assist in solidifying the stances of the Group’s members by establishing a cohesive position in regional and international discussions.
During the signing event, Dr. Abdulaziz Al Al-Sheikh, Chief Executive Officer of Saudi Space Commission (SSC), emphasized that the creation of the Arab Space Cooperation Group will enable the region to attain a prominent role in the global space arena by fostering a shared vision and collaborative strategy.
Dr. Al Al-Sheikh asserted that Saudi Arabia’s rapidly advancing space initiatives demonstrate the Kingdom’s trust in the capabilities of its citizens and Arab youth at large. “We are confident that this generation will empower the region to occupy a leading position among developed nations by unlocking the potential of the space sector and leveraging its peaceful applications.”
In recent decades, Saudi Arabia has played a pivotal role in the regional space sector by establishing the Arab Satellite Communications Organization (Arabsat) in 1976, designating HRH Prince Sultan bin Salman to participate in NASA’s STS-51-C mission as the first Arab and Muslim astronaut, launching numerous satellites, supporting research initiatives, and most recently, creating the Saudi Space Commission to unify and oversee all national space-related activities.
