UAE Establishes Supreme Space Council to Propel National Space Sector

The UAE Cabinet, led by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has officially approved the establishment of the Supreme Space Council, a new permanent entity that will report directly to the Cabinet.

The council will be chaired by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister. Its membership will consist of key figures in the UAE’s governance, including:

  • The Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology
  • The Minister of Economy
  • The Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the UAE Space Agency (serving as Secretary-General)
  • The Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications
  • The Vice President of the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Bannai
  • Major General Dr. Mubarak bin Ghafan Al Jabri, Assistant Undersecretary for Support and Defence Industries within the Ministry of Defence

The Supreme Space Council will have several key responsibilities, including:

  • Approving public policies to regulate the space sector and its activities
  • Defining national priorities for the space sector
  • Identifying necessary technologies for achieving technological independence
  • Setting investment and acquisition priorities for public and private entities in space activities

Moreover, the council will focus on plans and strategies for space security, collaborating with international partners, and creating a comprehensive framework for managing infrastructure and assets in the space sector to ensure integration across relevant sectors.

Another critical role of the council will be to foster capacity building in the space sector while establishing local, regional, and international partnerships to enhance the industry. It will also review and approve legislation, policies, strategies, and national programs related to the space sector, in coordination with appropriate authorities.

The UAE Space Agency has been designated as the General Secretariat for the Council, tasked with providing the necessary technical and administrative support.

UAE’s Investment in India Set to Reach $100 Billion with Food Corridor Plans

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is poised to significantly enhance its investment in India, with projections reaching $100 billion across various sectors. Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced this during the 12th meeting of the India-UAE high-level task force on investments, co-chaired by Goyal and Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, managing director of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority.

This commitment builds on the UAE’s 2018 pledge to invest up to $75 billion in India. Goyal expressed optimism that this initial investment would evolve into $100 billion, covering areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing, and markets, although no specific timeline was provided.

The task force, established in 2013, aims to bolster trade and economic cooperation between the UAE and India. In the fiscal year 2022-23, bilateral trade reached $85 billion, making the UAE India’s third-largest trade partner, following China and the US. Additionally, the UAE is India’s second-largest export destination, accounting for nearly $31.61 billion in the same period. India currently faces a $12 billion trade deficit with the UAE, a decrease from $21 billion the previous year.

During his visit to the UAE earlier this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, where they signed several agreements focused on energy, finance, digital infrastructure, investments, and regional connectivity.

As part of this investment drive, Goyal revealed plans for a food corridor, with over $2 billion allocated for development over the next 2 to 2.5 years. This initiative aims to boost Indian farmers’ incomes and generate additional jobs, alongside discussions about establishing food parks in India. Goyal noted that the UAE is interested in investing in food processing facilities in India to provide high-quality products for the UAE market.

In a related announcement, India’s Press Information Bureau stated that the India Pavilion at Expo City in Dubai will house the first overseas campus of the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT). The new campus is expected to open in early 2025, initially offering short and medium-term training programs, with plans to eventually launch its flagship MBA program in International Business.

UAE to Launch First National Baseball Team with Baseball United’s Support

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is gearing up to launch its first national baseball team, a landmark development for the sport in the region. The initiative is being spearheaded by Baseball United, which will also lead a countrywide development program after receiving approval from the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB).

First Arab Classic Tournament

The UAE’s national team will make its debut at Baseball United’s inaugural Arab Classic event next month. The tournament will feature teams from eight nations, including Pakistan, India, and Saudi Arabia, with both Saudi Arabia and the UAE fielding national baseball teams for the first time. The event will take place at Baseball United’s new ballpark at The Sevens Stadium in Dubai, marking the region’s largest national baseball competition to date.

Baseball United’s Role

Baseball United, which presented the national team project to the ECB as part of its grassroots and community strategy, will be responsible for overseeing player selection, development, and the team’s participation in international competitions. The organisation is committed to growing the sport of baseball across the Middle East and South Asia.

“We are grateful for the support from His Highness Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, chairman of the Emirates Cricket Board, and other key leaders,” said Kash Shaikh, chairman and CEO of Baseball United. “This milestone is not just about launching a team, but about inspiring young players, coaches, and fans across the UAE. We aim to build a competitive national team that can make the UAE proud.”

Broader Impact

The UAE’s national team will adhere to World Baseball Classic (WBC) eligibility rules, enabling the selection of players from a broad pool of citizens and residents, reflecting the country’s diverse population of over 11 million people.

Shaikh emphasized the importance of this development, noting that Baseball United has already supported national baseball teams in countries like India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. He expressed confidence that the UAE’s team will be competitive and a source of national pride.

This initiative is expected to energize interest in baseball within the UAE and further enhance the country’s reputation as a growing hub for sports development in the region.

Conclusion

With Baseball United leading the charge, the UAE is ready to establish itself as a key player in the world of baseball. As the nation prepares for the Arab Classic and its first foray into competitive baseball, the groundwork is being laid for a bright future for the sport in the Emirates.