Dubai: The United Arab Emirates' (UAE) first remote sensing and earth observation satellite is ready for launch later this year.

The Emirates Institute for Advanced Science and Technology (EIAST), in a statement issued here, said DubaiSat 1 was now awaiting its launch later this year onboard a Russian rocket through the Moscow-based International Space Company (ISC) Kosmotras.

UAE's first earth observation satellite has been developed by Satellite Technology Research Centre (SatRec) of South Korea with in-depth participation of UAE engineers from the EIAST.

"Developing a core team of UAE scientists and experts was the most definitive outcome of a strategy that is geared to support mature, knowledge based development," Ahmed Obaid Al Mansoori, Director General of EIAST, said in the statement.

"Developing a base of UAE scientists and engineers is a crucial first step in becoming a regional and global leader in the fields of advanced science and technology," he added.

Designed and developed by a dedicated team and built in collaboration with international entities, DubaiSat 1 will be one of the most advanced small size satellite of its kind when it is launched, according to EIAST.

Meanwhile, the development team behind DubaiSat 1 is already working on finalizing designs for DubaiSat 2, as it continues in its efforts to create the UAE's first constellation of Satellites.

The design concept of DubaiSat 2 is being laid down and strategic partners for its construction are being selected, EIAST said.

Established in 2006, EIAST is a strategic initiative of the Dubai government and is aimed at inspiring scientific innovation and fostering technological advancement within the UAE and the region.