Two massive projects on way as kingdom plans to join space accords
BAHRAIN is set to launch two massive space projects that would see the country’s name being put on the moon, revealed National Space Science Agency’s chief executive Dr Mohammed Al Asiri.
He made the announcement during a debate on plans to join the Nasa Artemis Accords at the weekly Parliament session yesterday.
Dr Al Asiri said Tamkeen and the Bahrain Chamber were working to encourage businessmen and entrepreneurs to invest in the space sector.
“Bahrain has the most basic item needed to make spacecraft and vehicles and that’s aluminium provided by Alba,” he said.
“We are proud that the first spacecraft to reach Jupiter had its components made from Bahrain’s aluminium.
“We are planning two national projects in partnership with Artemis to put Bahrain’s name on the moon.”
Meanwhile, Transportation and Telecommunications Minister Mohammed Al Kaabi said Bahrain wouldn’t have any financial obligation if it joined Nasa Artemis. The government-drafted legislation was approved by MPs and referred to the Shura Council for review.
MPs also approved an agreement on reciprocal encouragement and protection of investments between Bahrain and Japan – inked in Manama on June 23 last year – and referred it to Shura.
Bahrain has so far concluded 36 investment promotion and protection agreements with countries, including China, the UK, the US, France, India, Russia, Singapore, and Germany.
Meanwhile, Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Minister Nawaf Al Maawda responded to questions on unregistered waqf (endowments) properties, maintenance of places of worship and Zakat Fund. Works Minister Ibrahim Al Hawaj also highlighted new projects in Luzi and Hunainiah Valley.
Tense arguments erupted in Parliament after all committees sought four weeks’ time to review proposals and legislations.
MP Khalid Bu Onk shouted that the National Assembly’s term was set to end on May 15, meaning legislations and proposals would be shelved for five months until the new term begins in the second week of October.
Parliament second deputy Speaker Ahmed Qarata said the date was not set on stone and that it all depended on the approval of the 2023-2024 national budget in two weeks’ time.
The debate came as scores of productive families under the ‘Step’ scheme yesterday demonstrated outside the National Assembly Complex in Gudaibiya, demanding pension deals following a rejection of their requests.
