Dubai: The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) to collaborate on environmental data and geospatial mapping. This partnership is designed to bolster the Ministry’s efforts in advancing environmental and climate sustainability in the UAE by utilizing advanced technologies to refine decision-making processes, supporting the nation’s progress toward its national agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals for 2030.
According to Emirates News Agency, the MoU facilitates opportunities for research and innovative projects between the two entities, focusing on managing and visualizing environmental data through geospatial mapping systems. This will enable the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment to leverage the technological expertise of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, securing comprehensive data on environmental projects and supporting the Ministry’s core functions.
The MoU was signed at an
event held at the MOCCAE headquarters in Dubai, attended by Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment. The agreement was formally signed by Mohammed Saeed Al Nuaimi, Undersecretary of MOCCAE, and Salem Humaid Al Marri, Director General of MBRSC.
Mohammed Saeed Al Nuaimi emphasized the commitment to utilizing the latest technologies as a foundation for implementing best practices and driving initiatives for sustainable systems in sectors like food security, biodiversity, climate change, air quality, and sustainable community development within the UAE. He expressed satisfaction with the collaboration, which will enhance capabilities in environmental data and geospatial mapping, thereby empowering data-driven decision-making and the effective implementation of plans and policies to achieve environmental and climate sustainability, including the goal to reach Net Zero by 2050.
Salem Humaid Al Marri stated that the strategic collaboration represents a significant step towards e
nhancing the nation’s capabilities in environmental sustainability. By using space data and geospatial technologies, innovative solutions will be provided to support evidence-based decision-making and contribute to the formulation of effective environmental policies. MBRSC is committed to leveraging its expertise and advanced capabilities in space technology to achieve the UAE’s environmental objectives and climate neutrality by 2050, through the development of precise environmental monitoring processes.
Under the MoU, specific data areas to be developed within the geospatial maps will be identified, covering wildlife, marine life, the agricultural sector, air quality, and seawater quality. The Ministry will offer expertise in environmental and climate fields to support collaborative efforts and establish targeted outcomes. This collaboration aims to enhance the Ministry’s geospatial platform by providing real-time and historical data, supporting the development of maps using satellite data and imagery, and
improving data models using cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning. Technical expertise will also be offered in satellite data processing and geographical and spatial information systems.