The Hyperspectral Remote Sensing Center at the College of Natural and Health Sciences at Zayed University has earned a commendable badge by presenting the first UAE Spectral Library website for public use, where users can interact and access spectral information derived using a Use hyperspectral camera and Field Portable Spectroradiometers, as well as remote sensing images from space and airborne platforms for remote spectroscopic sensing.

The center is considered the first of its kind in the UAE to carry out planetary studies, environmental studies, training and consultancy in the remote sensing sector.

Professor Dr. Faris Howari, Dean of the College of Natural and Health Sciences, Zayed University, said that the center is equipped with a Mars Simulation chamber, which creates the environment of any planet to study and simulate these environments using hyperspectral imaging in the laboratory and conduct scientific research. The fruit of this scientific innovation culminates the effort with a number of studies and researches that have been published with more than 20 research papers in prestigious international journals within a short period of time.

Dr. Hawari confirmed that the center was established with the help of the Emirates Space Agency, with the aim of facing the challenges of the remote sensing sector in the UAE Space Agency and beyond, as well as provide opportunities for stratified research, innovation and education across the dimensions of natural sciences and engineering disciplines.

The Hyperspectral Remote Sensing Center is equipped with highly advanced software and tools along with a high-performance computer for research, innovation and learning in the Geographic Information System (GIS) and remote sensing field using satellite imagery. It also supports the center and its affiliated laboratories by conducting numerous research in key areas including: space sciences, remote sensing, water management, water security, sustainable water production, environmental quality and assessment, climate change, ecosystems, marine pollution, and natural resource management.

He mentioned that the center provides opportunities for many highly qualified faculty members from different departments at Zayed University to participate in many different activities at the center, following the efforts of the UAE, which seeks to advance education, invest in skills development of our students’ to keep pace with global scientific developments, and the rapid changes in the world.

“Since conducting laboratory experiments is one of the best ways to inspire, motivate and revitalize today’s youth, the College of Natural and Health Sciences at Zayed University, as part of its educational strategic plan, aims to provide experiential learning through practical projects that give students the needed ‘hand on’ experience through learning by doing, which allows students to link theoretical sciences with applied sciences.

Accordingly, the College of Natural and Health Sciences has devoted great efforts to provide these opportunities by adopting initiatives and a system of partnership with international scientific institutions to develop plans and future projects, and to adopt initiatives that contribute to enhancing students' skills.