Abu Dhabi to host meeting of the International Committee on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (ICG)

• Al Qubaisi: Distinguished presence by the UAE in new edition of the international meeting as a host and prominent member
• Meeting held on 9 to 14 October in Abu Dhabi, Chaired by Abdulla Al Marar, Head Of Space Projects Section at the UAE Space Agency

• Six days of activities, seminars, in-person, and virtual presentations
• Meeting enhances prospects of co-operation in the field of satellite navigation and supports its space applications around the world

11 October 2022, Abu Dhabi, UAE: Abu Dhabi will be hosting the 16^th edition of the International Committee on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (ICG), part of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, on 9 to 14 October 2022 in Abu Dhabi. The ICG is tasked with promoting constructive co-operation among its members, and achieving interoperability among systems and transparency in providing satellite navigation services around the world.

The UAE Space Agency (UAESA) completed its preparations for hosting the international forum, which will see the participation of more than 260 participants in person, and virtually, in addition to representatives of ICG delegations, UN member countries, government and non-government agencies specializing in satellite navigation, entrepreneurs, and specialists, which will be over 140 participants in total.

The international meeting, chaired by Abdulla Al Marar, Head Of Space Projects Section at the UAE Space Agency, will include a number of forums, interactive seminars, and in-person and virtual demonstrations, which will provide a comprehensive overview of how to make use of satellite navigation systems in various fields, in addition to showcasing the latest technologies, research fields, current issues, developments, and future expectations in this field.

His excellency Salem Butti Salem Al Qubaisi, Director General of the UAE Space Agency said: “At this year’s edition of the ICG meeting, the UAE will have a distinguished presence as the host of the forum and one of the ICG’s most prominent members, and this is motivated by its commitment to bolstering cooperation and networking with international players in the space sector, as well as its commitment to sharing and exchanging knowledge and scientific expertise that will stimulate economic development in the region and enhance the efficiency of the global application of satellite navigation sector, which will benefit all of humanity.

“The UAESA is continuing its diligent efforts to translate its strategic goals into reality, as it gives great attention to supporting R&D projects and pursuing the development of science and knowledge on the local and regional levels,” he added.

The ICG contributes to global sustainable development; its main goals revolve around coordinating among satellite navigation service providers, rallying efforts to ensure the highest levels of interoperation and transparency and efficiency, and achieving optimal use of services. The ICG provides support and assistance to users of satellite navigation when designing applications and development plans by encouraging joint cooperation, coordination, and action, through its capacity as a forum for exchanging information, ideas, and solutions.

The UAE Space Agency enjoys a prominent standing among the most important international organizations in the global space sector, as it is a member of the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), the International Committee for Space Exploration, the International Space Exploration Coordination Group (ISECG), and the Earth Observation Group (EOG). In addition, the UAE recently assumed the presidency of the United Nations Committee on Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS).