Abu Dhabi, Dubai satellite image ‘Mosaic’ released

Imran Mojib, Special Correspondent

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), Dubai, has completed an updated map of the Abu Dhabi and Dubai using the UAE’s first high-resolution satellite image “Mosaic”, captured by KhalifaSat.

The system captures a matrix of individual digital images to create a single high-resolution picture of the UAE’s terrain. This imaging system by MBRSC will provide a comprehensive view of the UAE’s topography, using remote sensing systems, image processing, geographic information systems and artificial intelligence. While the service currently provides detailed high-resolution satellite image mosaic of Abu Dhabi and Dubai, mosaic of all Emirates will be released soon.

The system is part of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre’s efforts to support federal and local government entities, research and academic institutions as well as the private sector to take advantage of this type of technology that plays an important role in understanding the geography, topography and environmental impacts of large areas in the UAE more accurately.

In view of the MBRSC’s efforts to spread knowledge, expand the use of space technologies owned by them and extend cooperation frameworks to all entities, “Mosaic” will be provided to all government and non-governmental entities free of charge for the purpose of benefiting the agencies and enhancing their role in the UAE society. This type of satellite imagery is relevant to stakeholders in infrastructure, urban planning, environment and climate change sectors, energy, education, technology, roads and transportation, among others in the UAE. Accordingly, MBRSC will provide high-resolution images from the “Mosaic” system, after conducting a comprehensive survey of the area requested by the entity, according to the nature of their activity.

MBRSC Director General Yousuf Hamad Al Shaibani said, “The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre seeks to contribute effectively to the community through projects that support the development sectors in the UAE. Over the past few years, MBRSC has established itself as an efficient and leading space centre for the Middle East region, weighed in by the impact of its projects and technologies in non-space sectors as well. The launch of KhalifaSat’s first satellite image “Mosaic” is of strategic importance to support the infrastructure of all vital sectors in the UAE and promote strategic decisions by key stakeholders operating in the country.”

Recently, Emirates Post announced the intended launch of commemorative stamps to mark two national milestones - the launch of UAE’s satellite to Mars and the opening of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant.

The UAE became the first Arab nation to send a probe to Mars with the launch of the Hope Probe and is also the only Arab nation with the capacity to produce nuclear energy with the opening of the Barakah power plant in Abu Dhabi.

With the design process already underway, Emirates Post is aiming to issue the collector’s item later in the year.

With both events, Mohammed Sultan Al Qadi, Chairman of Emirates Post Group Company, said that the UAE has managed to achieve a quantum leap in the field of scientific research and innovation, enabling the UAE to grow and build a sustainable knowledge economy.

He said, “The opening of the Barakah power plant following the launch of the Hope probe is a story of perseverance and determination. They embody UAE’s path to the future and underscores the forward-looking vision of the leaders of the nation and their commitment to bringing the ambitions of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s, to life. These proud achievements are the result of investing in our people, building up our resources, and implementing knowledge and best practices from around the globe in the various fields of science.”

Abdulla Mohammed Al Ashram, Group CEO of Emirates Post Group, emphasised that the historical achievements of the past few weeks mark a new chapter in the UAE’s onward march. He said, “There is no ‘impossible’ in the Emirati vocabulary and this new generation of Emirati talent. As a nation, we are steadily moving towards building a sustainable future based on the knowledge-economy and these developments constitute a step in that direction.”