Within its series of activities and initiatives for the academic year 2020/2021 that aim to strengthen public awareness, disseminate accurate scientific information, and share the latest developments in astronomy and space sciences, the Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences, and Technology (SAASST) at the University of Sharjah organized a specialized workshop entitled "Introduction to Space Weather." Dr. Muhammad Mubasshir Shaikh, a Post-Doc at the Space Weather and Ionosphere Laboratory at SAASST, started the workshop by introducing the laboratory and research initiatives in this field. The workshop also introduced the audience of astronomy and space sciences specialists, educators, students, and enthusiasts to the concept of space weather, sunspots, and their significance, monitoring sunspots and their number, and the SAASST Ionosonde project. The Ionosonde monitors and studies the ionosphere layer and contributes to understanding the relationship between the solar wind and the upper layers of the Earth's atmosphere. They also explored the analysis of data extracted from this device through two practical and technical application sessions.

This was at SAASST's headquarters while ensuring adherence to the guidelines and instructions issued by the UAE's relevant authorities to limit the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

SAASST established several specialized research laboratories in space sciences and their technologies, including the Space Weather and Ionosphere Laboratory. It works on research on changes in the ionosphere due to the different effects of solar energy and space and explores various techniques for observing and modeling the ionosphere. The laboratory's main research objectives are to conduct research and development in the most active areas of research related to the solar-terrestrial interaction (ionosphere) and to study the ionospheric effects on radio systems.

SAASST organizes these activities and continues to expand its research initiatives in the context of enriching local awareness and knowledge of the developments, importance, and impact of astronomy, space sciences, and their technologies. This also to achieve the goals set for SAASST by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council, Ruler of the Emirate of Sharjah, and President of the University of Sharjah. His Highness founded SAASST to serve and educate society in all areas of space sciences and become a world leader in scientific research and solidify the UAE's position as a scientific center at the regional and global levels.