The UAE–Croatia Business Club delegation, represented by President Neven Roginić, Vice President Hrvoje Bujanović, and Vice Chair of the Croatian Business Council Ida Pandur, had the privilege of visiting the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) in Dubai.
During the meeting, the delegation was warmly welcomed by Adnan Alrais, Assistant Director General of the Space Operations and Exploration Sector, and Mohammad Ibrahim Alblooshi, Director of the External Affairs Office.
The significance of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre
Established in 2006, the MBRSC has become the driving force behind the UAE’s ambitious space programme, setting milestones not only for the Emirates but also for the broader region. The Centre is responsible for some of the most groundbreaking achievements in Arab space exploration, including:
- KhalifaSat (2018): the first Earth observation satellite fully designed and developed in the UAE.
- The Emirates Mars Mission (2021): with the "Hope Probe," the UAE became the first Arab nation to reach Mars and the fifth globally.
- The Emirates Lunar Mission (2022): through the Rashid Rover, marking the UAE's entry into lunar exploration.
- Astronaut Programme: training and sending Emirati astronauts into space, including participation in missions to the International Space Station.
Looking forward, MBRSC continues to expand its horizons with long-term plans for planetary exploration, satellite constellations, and advanced research programmes. The Centre not only embodies the UAE’s visionary approach but also actively fosters international cooperation and scientific partnerships.
Opportunities for Croatian science and research
The meeting highlighted the exceptional openness of MBRSC towards collaboration. In particular, there is a strong potential for cooperation between the Centre and leading Croatian scientific institutions such as the Ruđer Bošković Institute, Croatia’s foremost research institution in natural and technical sciences.
Fields such as astrophysics, advanced materials, satellite technologies, AI for space applications, robotics, and environmental monitoring were identified as natural areas of potential collaboration. By bridging expertise and talent from Croatia with the infrastructure and ambition of MBRSC, there lies a unique opportunity to build joint research projects, academic exchanges, and applied science programmes that could benefit both countries.
Strengthening UAE–Croatia scientific ties
The visit reaffirmed the Business Club’s commitment to broadening bilateral cooperation beyond business and trade, extending it into the sphere of science, innovation, and advanced technology. The UAE’s space sector, driven by institutions such as MBRSC, provides a platform for Croatian scientists to participate in transformative global projects.
As the UAE–Croatia Business Club continues to facilitate such connections, today’s meeting marks a new chapter in strengthening scientific diplomacy between the two nations.
