Kuwait takes a giant leap with space research center launch

• His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, highlighted Kuwait’s drive to excel in scientific and technological fields and urged the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences to attract top national talent and advance country’s position globally, especially in space.

• His Highness the Amir said, “We take pride in the researchers, innovators, and distinguished individuals of our beloved country who have dedicated themselves to advancing science and elevating our nation.”

• His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, said, “Move forward with God’s blessings in the pursuit of science, with strong determination and steady steps, to achieve our great ambitions and hopes for Kuwait to be at the forefront of advanced nations in scientific research and serving humanity.”

• His Highness the Amir urged the scientific institution to attract top national talent and enhance Kuwait’s leadership in science and technology, especially in space, following the successful launch of the first Kuwaiti satellite (KuwaitSat-1) in early 2023.

His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, emphasized that supporting scientific research is key to Kuwait’s progress in an era of rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), alternative energy, and space science. His Highness underscored Kuwait’s commitment to strengthening its regional and global standing in scientific and technological achievements, according to Al Jarida newspaper.

His Highness directed the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences to continue attracting distinguished national talents across various disciplines and to make tireless efforts to position Kuwait among the leading countries in scientific and technological fields, particularly in the space sector.

These remarks were made during His Highness’s patronage and attendance at the announcement ceremony of the Kuwait National Center for Space Research, held at Bayan Palace.

The ceremony was attended by His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, the Prime Minister, and senior state officials.

Upon his arrival at the venue, His Highness was warmly received by Dr. Ameenah Rajab Farhan, the Director-General of Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences, along with members of the foundation’s Board of Directors.

His Highness was briefed on a photo gallery from the Kuwaiti satellite and received a detailed explanation from Dr Hala Al-Jassar, Director of the National Satellite Project.

His Highness delivered a speech on this occasion, stating, “We are pleased to gather for the launch of the Kuwait National Center for Space Research and to honor a constellation of creators and supervisors. We take pride in the researchers, innovators, and distinguished individuals of our beloved country who have dedicated themselves to advancing science and elevating our nation.”

His Highness emphasized that these individuals have established Kuwait’s position on the map of scientific achievements, particularly in the space sector. His Highness stressed that “supporting scientific research is one of the foundations of Kuwait’s progress and interests, especially in an era of rapid development in artificial intelligence, alternative energy, and space sciences.”

His Highness further noted that “supporting scientific research has become a cornerstone of our vision, alongside strengthening and consolidating national identity.” His Highness recalled the vision of the late Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad—may God rest his soul—to establish a thriving scientific, technological, and innovative culture for a sustainable Kuwait.

His Highness also highlighted the need to build national capabilities capable of designing, managing, and operating space projects, recognizing the talent of the nation’s people.

His Highness added, “We aim to create a scientific environment grounded in the latest research methods that contribute to developing the capabilities of our people in all scientific fields, especially space sciences.” His Highness praised “the ongoing contributions of the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences and the dedication of its management and associates in enhancing the skills of the distinguished and creative, in light of the rapid demands of our time and our future aspirations.”

His Highness instructed those involved in this esteemed scientific institution to continue attracting top national talents across various disciplines and to make tireless efforts to position Kuwait among the leading nations in scientific and technological fields, particularly in the space sector. He called for building national capacities capable of designing, managing, and operating Kuwaiti space projects, especially after the successful launch of the first Kuwaiti satellite (KuwaitSat-1) in early 2023, further cementing Kuwait’s standing on the map of regional and international scientific and technological achievements.

His Highness concluded his speech by saying, “We pray to God to guide everyone in serving our beloved country and to sustain its excellence and prosperity.”

Strengthening national identity through capacity building and research

Dr. Ameenah Rajab Farhan stated that the center aims to strengthen national identity through capacity building and research.

His Highness delivered a message to this distinguished group from our beloved country, saying, “Move forward with God’s blessings in the pursuit of science, with strong determination and steady steps, to achieve our great ambitions and broad hopes that Kuwait will be at the forefront of advanced nations in scientific research and in serving humanity.”

Dr. Amina Farhan delivered a speech, saying, “Lord of a concern that has revived a nation.” As we stand at the inauguration of the Kuwait National Center for Space Research, I recall this profound saying, envisioning the foresight of students who, under the guidance of three dedicated teams of supervisors, all Kuwaiti, volunteered to build an artificial satellite.

Farhan continued, “In the beginning, there was the word, and in the beginning, there was the idea. The dream came true, the idea became reality, and the satellite was launched into space. It moved from concept to creation, from theory to practice. Tomorrow, it will send us signs of evidence—proof of its existence and a proud symbol of Kuwait.”

She explained that the center’s goal is to build a strong foundation aimed at strengthening national identity through capacity building and research. National identity is both the means and the goal, embodying the spirit of the saying with which I began, “Lord of a concern that has revived a nation.”

She continued, “This initiative began with research on Earth in the fields of science and knowledge, and now, under the leadership of the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences, we have turned our gaze to the sky and space. We have connected Earth’s research with that of the heavens, raising Kuwait’s name high in the realms of glory and history. Let us now envision Kuwait from the perspective of an enlightened scientist, with Kuwaiti eyes and devoted hands. Having previously launched its first artificial satellite, Kuwait is now establishing its center, and it still has much more to accomplish.”

Nostalgia and loyalty

She added, “If we look back with fresh eyes and recover something from our memory, we find that this institution is a gift from the late Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad—may God shower mercy and forgiveness upon his soul. It is a testament to his generosity, praised each day as morning breaks and night falls. We also remember and honor those who continue on his path with love, loyalty, and dedication—His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Meshaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, a leader of generosity and the current Chairman of the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences. As he wisely said, “Kuwait is survival and existence.” May God protect you, our father, supporter, and guiding teacher, and may He preserve Kuwait. Amen.”

She expressed her heartfelt thanks to all who contributed to the founding and advancement of this institution, praising the dedicated efforts of those who aimed not for less but for the heights of glory and excellence in space sciences. Their vision and dedication have set Kuwait on the path to achieving its goals.

She added, “Let us say together: Yes, we will strengthen our national identity by building capacities, investing in our energies, and developing research methods and tools. Research on Earth is essential for the Earth, and research in space is intentional for space. Creativity is a never-ending story, and the Foundation’s journey is a shining beacon that we look upon with pride, eagerly awaiting its next chapter in many areas.”

On this occasion, His Highness was presented with a commemorative gift.