Photos: The UAE selected to host the International Astronautical Congress in Dubai in 2020

According to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai and H.H Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, the UAE has been selected to host the International Astronautical Congress in Dubai in 2020.

This is the first time the IAC will take place in the Middle East since it was first held in 1950. Hosting the world's largest space conference reflects the growing recognition of the UAE's status in the field of space science & exploration. 
Hamdan writes:

We look forward to welcoming 5000 scientists from 70 countries to Dubai for the 71st session of the International Astronautical Congress. And we are proud to host the IAC at the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Center, in coordination with the UAE Space Agency.

Watch:

Video: #UAE team presents its bid to host the 71st International Astronautical Congress -IAC in 2020 in #Dubai http://pic.twitter.com/vQJhFc80L0

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) September 29, 2017