The UAE has won the bid to host the 71st International Astronautical Congress (IAC), the largest specialised conference in the global space sector in 2020.

The announcement of Dubai as the winning city was made by International Astronautical Federation (IAF) today (September 30) at a ceremony held during IAC 2017 in Adelaide, Australia.

With this, the UAE has become the first country in the region to host the mega event since it was held for the first time in 1950, said a statement from the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), which is organising the event in co-ordination with the UAE Space Agency.

UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said: "We are proud that the UAE has won the bid to host the mega event which will attract more than 5,000 scientists, astronauts and experts."

These achievement coincide with a series of accomplishments in this sector," remarked Sheikh Mohammed.

"The conference will take place immediately after the launch of the first Arab space mission to Mars and the Mars Science City project, the largest space simulation city ever built," he added.

"I am proud of the youth of the UAE who have laid the foundations of the UAE Centennial 2071 vision. We have started implementing our vision for 2071 now," stated Sheikh Mohammed.

"Our ambitions have no limits, and to be number one is not an unreachable objective as we will do all that it takes to achieve it, including developing talent, and launching projects and initiatives that support youth and stimulate creative thinking. The doors are open for everyone to participate in shaping the future," he noted.

"This is what we expect from the Emiratis who proved their capabilities in all the missions they were assigned. The world’s recognition of the UAE’s accomplishments across sectors is testimony to the positive impact our country has made regionally and globally," he added.

Sheikh Mohammed pointed out that space science and research were key components in the UAE’s drive to achieve its Centennial 2071 goals.

They are also key factors in its efforts to be among the world’s leading nations in terms of prosperity and progress and gain leadership in sectors like space that help improve people’s lives and serve humanity, he added.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and chairman and general supervisor of the strategic plans and projects of MBRSC, said the remarkable progress made by the UAE in the field of space science with a series of unique projects has given the nation a special position in the global space sector.

"Thanks to the futuristic vision of the UAE leadership, who provided all the necessary encouragement to achieve such success and distinction, the country has won international recognition for its innovative thinking," he stated.

Sheikh Hamdan pointed out that the UAE had greatly contributed to making the Arab region an important player in the global space industry with a series of projects that have built on what the world has already achieved in the space sector.

"We are now pursuing new initiatives that can help humanity understand space and how advanced space technologies can be used to enhance man’s life," he added.-TradeArabia News Service