Dubai: The UAE has announced a massive project to develop advanced radar satellites. The new plan was revealed after UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan announced a fund of 300 million dirhams for advancements in the field of space. As the first investment of the fund, the radar satellite project named ‘Zirb’, meaning flock of birds, was developed. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, disclosed the plan implemented by the UAE Space Agency through Twitter.
With the project becoming a reality, the UAE will become the first Arab country to develop an advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite. SAR technology for remote sensing is more powerful and more accurate imaging than traditional imaging satellites. The new radar satellite project aims to achieve more in the areas of climate change, environmental sustainability and better disaster management. These satellites will be able to constantly monitor and warn of changes in the Earth’s climate. It can capture clear images of the Earth both day and night.
It can be monitored from the movement of ships at sea to the spread of oil as a leak. These satellites will provide information ranging from border surveillance, traffic monitoring, emergency rescue planning, urban planning and agricultural yield studies. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed stated that he hoped that the National Space Fund would be able to accelerate innovation in environmental matters and develop capabilities in key areas.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said on Twitter that the fund aims to help the national establishment in the field of space, support strategic and research projects and develop the skills of Emirati engineering cadres in space technology. Sarah bint Youssef Al Amiri, Minister of State for Public Education and Advanced Technology and Chairwoman of the UAE Space Agency, said the project is planned for a bright future full of new opportunities for young people.