Expert speakers from EADS Astrium, Thales Alenia Space and Arianespace addressing the 4th Annual Advanced Technology Forum in Abu Dhabi today, provided enthralling insights on the contribution of space technology in human development while highlighting advances made by the French aerospace industry over the last few decades.
The forum organised by the French Business Group, was inaugurated by HE Alain Azouaou, French Ambassador to the UAE and is the latest in the series of events comprising the Saison Francaise (French Season) that emphasise the growing areas of cooperation between the UAE and France.
Presentations at the forum which took place at the Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies (ECSSR) included an in-depth look at the world of space craft, launch services for satellites, and high resolution satellite mapping. Speakers also presented an overview of the French space industry and its leadership status in the European and worldwide space landscape.
“Space technologies play an important role in everyday life and satellites have endless applications in telecommunications, agriculture, environmental protection, border security and infrastructure developments, among other areas, and this forum is aimed at reminding us what the space industry can offer,” said HE Azouaou.
He also stated that the forum was a call to action for Emirati students, who represented the new generation of scientists, and would provide them with exposure to the space industry and its opportunities noting that French companies were already involved in several ongoing UAE government projects including Yahsat and civilian and military communications.
“Revenues of France’s space industry reached a record breaking 3.9 billion euros in 2008 of which the civilian sector contributed 88% of the total,” said HE Azouaou stating an average of 15% of annual revenues was being spent by the space industry, on research and development. The French Season is organized by the French Embassy and the French Business Group, and the premium sponsors are the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF), Al Masaood Automobiles and Caisse des Depots
