DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates announced plans on Friday that it will build a new satellite named MBZ-Sat.

The new satellite is named after the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

We approved building the new satellite MBZ-Sat, the region’s most technologically advanced in the civil and commercial sector, to be 100% designed by Emiratis. Our first satellite entirely developed in the UAE was ‘KhalifaSat’ that is already sending high-res space images. pic.twitter.com/G7UAItKHDV

— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) October 28, 2020

Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum said an Emirati team will build the satellite, using the latest technology in the region.

The satellite will be used for civilian and commercial purposes, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said.

Our efforts continue towards developing a competitive and integrated space sector, led by national experts, astronauts and research centers. Our Hope probe and lunar rover are the beginning of the UAE’s participation in the global race to space. pic.twitter.com/BY0gBOk8J7

— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) October 28, 2020