In the presence of His Excellency Prof. Hamid M.K. Al Naimiy, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah, the first master's thesis defense in the Master's in Air and Space Law program entitled: "The System of Liability for Damage Caused by Space Debris." This at the University of Sharjah's College of Law under the supervision of Dr. Philip de Man Assistant Professor of Space Law at the College.

The study deals with the issue of damage caused by space debris and its effects, according to its shape, type, path, and nature. Natural space debris is from various meteorites, asteroids, and celestial bodies in their full size or fragmentary ones. Man-made debris includes everything that falls within the framework of human artifacts sent out to benefit from their services in various fields. The study touched on the global legal perception of the United Nations and its policies in dealing with the subject based on the statistics and data collected during the period from 1957-2013.

The study aimed to investigate the legal and organizational aspects and the basis for building and forming a clear perception about the nature of the measures taken. It specified the tasks and responsibilities to come up with successful and safe solutions with the aim of minimizing the damages of space debris while taking the necessary arrangements in the event of debris-related accidents.

The study reached a set of results, including creating a comprehensive overview of the issue of space debris, its dangers, and ways to address it. It also provided an overview of the legal framework and the contribution of the United Nations in unifying efforts aimed at protecting the planet from the threats related to space debris. It defined the UN tasks and responsibilities assigned to each country in this framework.

The study emphasized the need to keep pace with the development in the field of satellite technologies and to carefully study the developments of natural cosmic accidents to address the challenges and provide innovative solutions. The researcher also stressed the need to harness all capabilities and consider the non-inclusion of political conflicts and a commitment to neutrality that requires a scientific research approach. It urged continuing to develop primary and secondary scientific research and studies to meet the challenges facing humanity to ensure achieving the common safety goals of all nations.

His Excellency the University Chancellor expressed his happiness by attending the first defense of the Master's in Air and Space Law program. He indicated that it is the first program of its kind in the Middle East region that works to support the aviation and space sector. Then, he thanked the College of Law, members of the defense committee, and the cooperating and supporting bodies for this program: The General Civil Aviation Authority and the UAE Space Agency.

The Chancellor highlighted the most important strategic projects in the space sector that the government of the United Arab Emirates is working on, which made it among the world's advanced countries in this field. He stressed that within a short period, distinguished young people will appear in the field of astronomy and space sciences with all modern technological means. He concluded that the program should be developed through strengthening the partnership with the General Civil Aviation Authority and the UAE Space Agency and the joint supervision of students by experts in this field.

It is noteworthy that the University of Sharjah started studies in the program beginning of fall of 2018-2019. This program is one of the unique programs at the regional level and will supply the local market with specialists in air and space transport activities. This provides a wide and important service to the community, which is one of the University's priorities and strategies.

The number of students registered in the program reached 40, taking into account the entry requirements to enter the program according to the highest standards – the program is taught in English and open for distinguished students.