His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member, Ruler of Sharjah, and Founder of the University of Sharjah, inaugurated the Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences and Technology (SAASST), affiliated with the University of Sharjah (UoS), in May 2015.The establishment of the Academy was the culmination of Sharjah's celebration upon being selected as the Capital of Islamic Culture.
The Academy aims to develop research, education, and innovation in various fields of astronomy, space sciences, and technology, following the highest international standards. It aspires to be the leading academic and research destination in the United Arab Emirates and the Gulf region in these vital disciplines.
The Academy features outstanding scientific facilities, most notably: the Sharjah Planetarium, the Astronomy and Space Exhibition, the Universe in the Quran Exhibition, optical and radio astronomical observatories, and the Cosmic Park. It also houses a group of advanced research laboratories that support education, learning, research, innovation, astronomical and space culture.
His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah supervised the Academy project and provided full financial support to ensure the highest quality standards. After a review of the submitted proposals, contracts were signed with a group of specialized international and local companies to build the Academy’s facilities and equip them with precise astronomical systems. These were the basis for designing the Sharjah Planetarium, establishing research laboratories and exhibition halls, along with the optical and radio astronomical observatories, which form the Academy’s main scientific pillars.
