His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai:
• Today, we approved the development of a satellite with the latest technologies in the region to serve the civil and commercial industry with 100% Emirati cadres called MBZ-Sat. The previous satellite bore the name Khalifa Sat, and this will bear the name of my brother Mohammed bin Zayed.
• Our efforts are continuing to develop an integrated, competitive space sector that includes specialized Emirati cadres, astronauts, research centers, a Mars probe and a lunar rover all supported by heavy investments of the private sector. The UAE will compete globally in the space industry.