The UAE will develop advanced radar satellites to “develop solutions to climate change, environmental sustainability and improved disaster management” under the new AED 3 billion National Space Fund.
President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, unveiled the fund on Sunday.
Taking to Twitter, Sheikh Mohamed the move will “accelerate innovation in environmental sustainability”.
The Fund will support ground breaking new programmes launched to support international and Emirati companies co-operating in leading edge space sector engineering, sciences and research applications.
United Arab Emirates to develop and launch advanced radar satellite constellation under new AED3 billion space sector fund pic.twitter.com/5GsbYPApYF
Sheikh Mohammed added that the “goal is to support the establishment of national companies in the space sector, support new national strategic and research projects, and develop the capabilities of our Emirati engineering cadres in space technology”.
“Only with advanced science can we contribute to the march of human development,” he added. It makes the UAE the first Arab country to develop a swarm of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites.
The ‘Sirb’ project will provide 24-hour all-weather earth imaging and will monitor the changes that occur on the planet due to climate changes and help find innovative solutions for environmental sustainability.
بدعم من رئيس الدولة ومتابعة من نائب رئيس الدولة.. دولة #الإمارات تطلق أول مشروع لتطوير سرب من الأقمار الاصطناعية الرّادارية الحديثة . . وتعلن عن تأسيس صندوق وطني بقيمة 3 مليار درهم لدعم قطاع الفضاء pic.twitter.com/KNMCmb4snD
The UAE has rejected reports claiming it is cancelling workers’ residency visas or providing financial facilities to Iran, calling the claims false and part of what it described as a wider media campaign.
Dr Anwar Mohammed Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President, said on Wednesday that the country remains focused on managing regional developments and preparing for the next phase rather than being distracted by misinformation.
In a post on X, Gargash said some platforms were circulating what he described as false information about the UAE while authorities continued to focus on developments on the ground.
He specifically dismissed rumours about the cancellation of workers’ residency visas and alleged financial support for Iran, saying the claims were incorrect.
Gargash said the UAE’s response to such reports would be through “work and achievements on the ground”, arguing that verifiable facts and tangible results were stronger than rumours.
His comments come amid heightened regional tensions and a wave of unverified claims circulating online. The UAE official urged attention to facts and concrete developments rather than what he described as media noise.
Motorists can now use a new bridge connecting Emirates Road to Al Qudra Road, as Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) continues work to improve traffic movement along the corridor.
The newly opened bridge provides a direct connection for vehicles travelling from Emirates Road towards Al Qudra Road, helping improve access to the surrounding areas and ease traffic movement.
The opening is part of ongoing enhancement works on Al Qudra Road aimed at improving the efficiency of Dubai’s road network and supporting growing traffic demand.
The RTA said the latest improvement is expected to help reduce congestion and provide smoother, more efficient journeys for motorists.
Further road development works along the Al Qudra corridor are continuing as part of Dubai’s wider efforts to strengthen connectivity and keep pace with the emirate’s urban expansion.
Motorists in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah should plan this week, with authorities announcing temporary road closures for maintenance and infrastructure works.
Abu Dhabi: E22 to close overnight
Abu Dhabi Mobility will close the E22 Abu Dhabi–Al Ain Road towards Abu Dhabi on the nights of August 19, 20 and 21.
The closure will be in effect from midnight until 6am each night.
Drivers are advised to plan their journeys around the overnight closure and follow traffic signs and approved diversions in the affected area.
Sharjah: Three-day road closure
Meanwhile, Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority has announced a three-day closure on a section of road running from Sheikh Mohammed bin Sultan Bu Alian Square to Saeed bin Obaid Al-Jarwan Square, on the Al-Jazat side.
The closure will run from Wednesday to Friday as authorities carry out road maintenance and infrastructure development works.
Motorists have been advised to use approved alternative routes, follow diversion signs and comply with traffic safety instructions.
Drivers travelling through either emirate are encouraged to allow extra time for their journeys and check road conditions before setting out.
