On 1 July 2026, the Astronomical Observatory in Belgrade was visited by a high-level delegation from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The delegation included H.E. Dr. Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi, Minister of Youth of the UAE; H.E. Salem Humaid AlMarri, Director General of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre; UAE astronauts Hazzaa AlMansoori and Mohammed AlMulla; Khalifa AlMarri, Director of the Office of H.E. the Minister at the Federal Youth Authority; and Hamad Lootah, Head of the Astronaut Office at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre. The meeting was also attended by H.E. Ahmed AlMenhali, Ambassador of the UAE to Serbia, and Mr. Khalid Alhajeri, Attaché at the Embassy of the UAE. The Serbian delegation included Mr. Enes Buhić, State Secretary at the Ministry of Tourism and Youth, and Mr. Zoran Tomić, Adviser at the Ministry of Science, Technological Development and Innovation. The distinguished guests were welcomed by the Director of the Astronomical Observatory, Prof. Dr. Luka Č. Popović, together with Dr. Srđan Samurović, President of the Scientific Council of the Observatory, and Dr. Milan Stojanović, Head of the Research Unit (RU) for Space Science and Technologies.
Prof. Dr. Luka Č. Popović presented a brief overview of the history of the Astronomical Observatory and its ongoing scientific activities. Subsequently, Dr. Milan Stojanović introduced the work of the RU for Space Science and Technologies, the MOSAIC project—Serbia’s first scientific satellite—and the recently held 1st Conference on Space Science and Technology in Serbia. The possibility of future cooperation with Khalifa University in the UAE was also discussed.
The presentations were followed by a discussion focused primarily on space technologies and future collaborative activities. The participants agreed that establishing cooperation between the Astronomical Observatory and relevant institutions in the UAE in the field of space research and technologies would be of mutual benefit.
Following the formal meeting, the delegation toured the Observatory complex and visited the pavilion of the Great Refractor. At the conclusion of the visit, the Director of the Observatory received a commemorative gift consisting of mission patches worn by the astronauts during their stay aboard the International Space Station. In return, representatives of the Astronomical Observatory and the Ministry of Science, Technological Development and Innovation presented gifts to the members of the UAE delegation.
Photos: Ministry of Science, Technological Development and Innovation
