Bahrain Space Agency showcases Arab model for strategic space planning
Manama, July 26 (BNA): The Bahrain Space Agency (BSA), in collaboration with the UN-affiliated Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education for Western Asia, held a workshop on strategic planning for space programmes, highlighting the Bahraini experience as a regional model.
The workshop, attended by representatives from several Arab countries, aimed to foster regional cooperation and unify visions in the space sector.
Yaqoob Al Qassab, Space Engineering Specialist, opened the workshop with a presentation on Bahrain’s history in utilising space technologies, the national space policy framework, and the implementation mechanism of the agency’s 2024–2028 strategic plan. He emphasised success factors including international cooperation, scientific research investment, national capacity building, and the importance of a supportive infrastructure for space projects.
Aysha Al Haram, Chief Satellite Design Department at the BSA, presented a case study on translating strategic plans into tangible projects. She highlighted the success of Bahrain’s joint satellite with the UAE, “Light-1” (2021), and the national satellite “Al Munther” (2025), the first Arab satellite to incorporate embedded artificial intelligence technologies. She emphasised the pivotal role of young Bahraini talent in successfully delivering these projects.
Al Haram also outlined Bahrain’s approach in linking strategic planning with practical space applications, such as using satellite data to monitor environmental challenges and establishing a satellite imagery lab to support decision making in urban planning and disaster management.
The workshop further reviewed the agency’s efforts in planning training programmes, promoting public awareness, and maintaining impact measurement for its initiatives. Practical recommendations were shared for designing training programmes as a cornerstone of Bahrain’s national capacity building success in the space sector.
Participants commended Bahrain’s experience and proposed expanding outreach activities to include Arab school curricula. Inspired by Bahrain’s awareness programmes, they suggested creating a unified Arab platform for knowledge exchange in the space sector, drawing on Bahrain’s project management model.
A representative of the Regional Centre described Bahrain as a strategic partner in enhancing regional space capabilities and announced plans to jointly develop new training programmes based on Bahrain’s adaptable and distinguished expertise.
Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Al Aseeri, CEO of the Bahrain Space Agency, said the collaboration reflects Arab solidarity and the role of young Bahraini professionals in advancing space projects. He expressed appreciation to the Regional Centre for facilitating the exchange of expertise, which would enable participants to apply relevant ideas in their countries and contribute to tangible Arab progress in future sciences.
This marked the second workshop held this year in collaboration between the agency and the Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education for Western Asia, one of six United Nations-affiliated centres worldwide. The event reflected the depth of the strategic partnership between the two sides.
The workshop concluded by underscoring Bahrain’s position as a leading regional example in strategic space planning. Over the past five years, the country has made significant progress in technology, scientific research, and leadership in the space sector. The initiative marked another step towards strengthening Arab cooperation in building a space industry capable of global competitiveness.
