The Sharjah Space and Astronomy Hub (SSAH) recently received a delegation from the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), led by Mr. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Authority, in a meeting that explored new areas of cooperation between the cultural and tourism sectors. Held at the SSAH’s headquarters at the University of Sharjah, the discussions focused on ways to support Sharjah’s efforts to highlight its cultural and knowledge-based assets and strengthen its standing as a leading destination for cultural, scientific, and educational tourism.

During the meeting, the two sides reviewed the hub’s main ongoing and future projects and programs and discussed ways to cooperate in marketing and promoting the scientific and cultural content it offers. They also explored potential collaboration in the field of small and medium-sized cube satellites and their scientific and educational applications, in a move that would help showcase Sharjah’s scientific, cultural, and tourism strengths. The meeting further touched on joint initiatives and programs aimed at spreading scientific awareness and deepening public interest in space and astronomy.

The talks also examined how scientific and astronomical tourism could be developed through the SSAH’s diverse facilities, particularly the Sharjah Planetarium, the science exhibitions, and the optical and radio astronomical observatories. These facilities, the two sides noted, create opportunities to offer innovative educational and interactive experiences to visitors of all ages. They also considered the possibility of organizing distinctive events, programs, and joint initiatives that would bring scientific knowledge into the tourist experience, while also supporting innovation, skills development, and the preparation of national talent in fields linked to space and tourism.

H.E. Prof. Hamid M.K. Al Naimiy, Director of the Sharjah Space and Astronomy Hub, said the SSAH serves as an integrated scientific and cultural platform that helps spread knowledge and deepen interest in space and astronomy. He added that cooperation with the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority opens new horizons for developing distinctive projects and initiatives that highlight the emirate’s scientific achievements and offer visitors meaningful educational experiences. Strategic partnerships between local institutions, he said, remain essential to institutional integration and to expanding the reach of initiatives that serve society and reinforce Sharjah’s status.

For his part, Mr. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, stressed the importance of SSAH as a scientific and knowledge-based landmark that reflects the emirate’s vision of investing in science, culture, and knowledge as core pillars of its tourism and humanitarian standing. He said the hub’s scientific and cultural assets, along with its distinctive interactive experiences, opens wide prospects for a new model of scientific and astronomical tourism. It also gives visitors from within the UAE and beyond an exceptional opportunity to discover Sharjah from a different perspective, one that combines enjoyment, knowledge, and inspiration.

He also emphasized SCTDA’S commitment to strengthening cooperation with the Sharjah Space and Astronomy Hub and other scientific and cultural institutions in the emirate, with the aim of designing joint initiatives and programs that enhance Sharjah’s appeal as a leading destination for cultural and knowledge-based tourism, and support efforts to highlight its diverse strengths and showcase its distinguished achievements at both the local and international levels.