SAASST Overview
The Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences and Technology (SAASST) affliated with the University of Sharjah (UoS), was established in May 2015 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member, Ruler of Sharjah, and Founder of the University of Sharjah.
SAASST aims to develop, promote, and contribute to education in astronomy and space sciences in the world in general, and the UAE in particular. It is a destination for science, research, culture, and education.
The Sharjah Academy of Astronomy, Space Sciences & Technology was inaugurated on Wednesday of May 2015 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council, Ruler of Sharjah, and Founder of the University of Sharjah, to crown the celebrations of Sharjah as the Capital of Islamic Culture. The Center aims at developing and promoting education about astronomy and space sciences in the Arab World in general and the UAE in particular in order to be a destination for science, research, heritage, and education.
The Academy has many attractions, most important of which are: Planetarium, Astronomy Exhibition, Space Exhibition, Exhibition of the Universe in the Holy Quran, Astronomical Observatory and a Cosmic Park.
The concept of the Academy first began as an initiative that His Excellency Prof. Hamid Al-Naimiy, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah, and Director General of the Academy presented to His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member, Ruler of Sharjah, and Founder of the University of Sharjah. His Highness provided Prof. Hamid the full authority to proceed forward with developing its infrastructure and directed provision of the financial resources necessary. Through negotiating several contracts with international and local companies, specialized in these fields, and providing them with precise calculations of the planets in our solar system, the Sharjah Planetarium was constructed, in addition to several research laboratories and exhibition halls, which form the base of the Academy.
