In Accordance with the Directives of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah,
Kuwait University Signs an Agreement with Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) to Establish and Operate Kuwait National Space Research Center

Prof. Al-Mailem: We take pride in the continuous support and patronage of our wise leadership for the researchers and innovators among our nation.
Dr. Farhan: The Kuwait National Space Research Center is a national platform for excellence in space research.

Kuwait University has signed an agreement with the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) to establish and operate the Kuwait National Space Research Center. The signing took place in the presence of Kuwait University President, Prof. Dina Musaed Al-Mailem, and KFAS Director General, Dr. Ameenah Rajab Farhan, alongside senior officials from both institutions. The center will operate under the auspices of KFAS, in collaboration with Kuwait University, with the aim of advancing scientific research in the fields of space science and technology, and supporting research and educational programs in the State of Kuwait, further empowering the nation to assume a leading role in this field on the global stage.

The President of Kuwait University, Prof. Dina Musaed Al-Mailem, stated that this agreement comes in accordance with the directives of His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait, Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, to establish and operate the Kuwait National Space Research Center as an entity affiliated with the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS), in collaboration with Kuwait University. The center will be hosted by the College of Science and the College of Engineering, reflecting Kuwait University’s longstanding leadership in the field of space research. She expressed her pride in the continued support and patronage extended by the wise leadership to the nation’s researchers and innovators.

She further expressed her appreciation for the sustained collaboration and the fruitful exchange of expertise between Kuwait University and the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences, describing KFAS as a pivotal partner in the nation’s pursuit of scientific discovery and academic excellence across diverse fields of research. She emphasized the significance of the space sector, which has witnessed remarkable progress in the State of Kuwait, especially in light of the rapid advancements taking place globally in space sciences. Such progress, she affirmed, is expected to significantly enhance the quality of research output and contribute to strengthening Kuwait’s position on both the regional and international stage.

Prof. Al-Mailem also commended the outstanding efforts undertaken by the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences in building national capacity in the field of space. The memorandum of understanding, she noted, aims to advance scientific research in space science and technology and to strengthen research collaboration between both institutions—"a reflection of our shared commitment to achieving the objectives of Kuwait’s national development plan".

In this regard, Dr. Ameenah Rajab Farhan, Director General of the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences, affirmed that this strategic partnership reflects the commitment of both institutions to supporting Kuwait’s Vision 2035, aimed at fostering a knowledge-based economy. She noted that the center represents the culmination of a national scientific trajectory that began with the historic achievement of launching the 'KuwaitSat-1' satellite in January 2023, a milestone that placed Kuwait on the global space map. "This center embodies the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences' dedication to enhancing research and innovation within future-focused sectors, in line with global trends in the space economy, which is expected to reach a valuation of one trillion dollars by 2040."

The center aims to serve as a national platform for excellence in space research and as a means of enhancing national identity by inspiring youth and developing specialized scientific expertise. It seeks to create investment opportunities in the space economy through key initiatives, including strengthening educational programs in space science, achieving research excellence in space technology, developing innovative space technologies, building strategic partnerships with the private sector and international institutions, and nurturing the skills of young people to prepare them for the workforce. Furthermore, it aims to engage the broader community through awareness programs and interactive events.
This agreement further reflects the State of Kuwait’s commitment to investing in promising opportunities within the space sector, aiming for regional leadership through initiatives that support scientific advancement and economic sustainability. It also opens new horizons for future generations, providing an environment that fosters creativity and innovation, while paving the way for ambitious space projects.