The Opening

His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi officially opened the Sharjah Center for Astronomy and Space Sciences on May 07, 2015, with Prof. Hamid Al-Naimiy, the Chancellor of the University of Sharjah, and several VIPs.

It was a vision coming true, an inspiration to revive the Islamic sciences in the United Arab Emirates in general and in the Emirate of Sharjah in particular. It was a vocational vision to have a scientific jewel for generations to relish the love of science and discovery in the young Emirati mind. It was a road full of challenges and excitement in which His Highness was fully involved in every step. His deep wisdom and directives made it possible to have today a world-class scientific institution with no equivalent.

The Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences, and Technology (SAASST)

With its planetarium, space exhibitions, research laboratories, optical and radio observatories, and academia, SCASS became an active educational and research institution at the national and international levels. For this reason, on March 21, 2019, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, through an Emiri Decree, promoted SCASS to a status of an academy as the “Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences, and Technology (SAASST).” This was a great recognition of His Highness to the great achievements of the Academy under the leadership of HE Prof. Hamid Al-Naimiy, the Chancellor of the University of Sharjah and the SAASST General Director.

With its present 50 staff members, SAASST is looking to achieve more in its public outreach program, space sciences research, and academia. Its role in promoting space sciences in the United Arab Emirates and reviving the lost heritage of Islamic sciences is well showcased by its daily activities, participation in national and international conferences, and publishing its research in top international journals.