Today's Edition
MUDHI ALOBTHANI (DUBAI)
The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), in partnership with the Emirati Society of GIS and Remote Sensing, has launched a comprehensive training programme designed to boost the UAE's national capabilities in geospatial sciences, including remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Dr. Saeed AlMansoori, Director of the Remote Sensing Department at MBRSC, told Aletihad that the initiative responds to a growing demand for skilled geospatial professionals across sectors such as environmental monitoring, smart cities, infrastructure, and disaster management.
"The rapid adoption of geospatial technologies in the UAE created a clear need to strengthen national expertise in GIS and remote sensing. Our goal is to empower professionals, students, and researchers with both knowledge and practical skills to translate data into actionable insights, Dr. AlMansoori said.
The training programme supports the UAE's broader vision of fostering a knowledge-based economy through the practical application of space technologies in sustainable development. According to AlMansoori, the course structure is carefully tailored to enable evidence-based decision-making by training participants to apply satellite data and GIS tools in real-world scenarios.
"By training participants to apply satellite data and GIS tools in environmental monitoring, infrastructure planning, and disaster management, we are enabling evidence-based decision-making that supports the country's long-term goals," he said.
Designed to balance theory with practice, each module combines conceptual learning with guided labs, case studies, and interactive sessions. Participants engage in quizzes and culminate the programme with a final assessment to ensure knowledge retention and practical readiness.
The programme addresses multiple sectors, including urban planning, smart cities, agriculture, climate monitoring, infrastructure development, and disaster management. Dr. AlMansoori highlighted its inclusivity, catering to students, government employees, and private sector specialists.
"The Foundation Level introduces the basics, the Intermediate Level develops advanced skills, and the Advanced Level focuses on high-end applications such as AI in remote sensing and digital twins. We also provide specialised workshops for specific sectors," he explained.
Depending on the level, participants gain skills from GIS fundamentals to using leading software like ArcGIS and QGIS, advanced spatial analysis, image processing, and applications such as big data analysis and digital twin modelling.
"More importantly, they gain the confidence to apply these tools to solve real-world problems in their organisations," Dr. AlMansoori added.
He described the initiative as part of the UAE's long-standing investment in national talent and innovation. The programme encourages cross-sector collaboration between academia, government, and industry to build a robust talent pool.
"The UAE has always prioritised investing in its people. By bridging theory and practice and fostering collaboration between government, industry, and academia, this programme builds a skilled pool of talent that strengthens the UAE's leadership in space and geospatial sciences."
Dr. AlMansoori cited practical applications already underway in the UAE, including monitoring coastline changes, tracking desertification, assessing vegetation health, and optimising urban planning.
"These technologies are improving decision-making, and through this programme, we aim to scale these capabilities across more sectors," he said.
Looking ahead, MBRSC is exploring partnerships with international space agencies and academic institutions to broaden the programme's scope and enhance knowledge exchange.
"Geospatial challenges are global. Partnering with international institutes and space agencies can enrich the programme, benefiting the UAE and promoting knowledge exchange worldwide," Dr. AlMansoori noted.
To aspiring young Emiratis, AlMansoori offered a message of encouragement and possibility: "This is one of the most exciting and impactful fields you can enter. The UAE has achieved great things in space science, and the next chapter will be written by today's youth. Passion and learning can lead to a career that contributes to the nation's progress and the global scientific community."
