Executive Director's Message
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
It is our pleasure to welcome you to the official website of the Arab Regional Office of Astronomy for Development — Arab-ROAD, and the Arabic Language Expertise Center — Arab-LOAD, both of which are part of the network of the IAU Office of Astronomy for Development — IAU-OAD.
From Amman, the capital of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, our official journey began on 2–3 December 2015, marking the joining of the Arab Regional Office and the Arabic Language Expertise Center to a global network that believes astronomy is not only a scientific field of knowledge, but also a civilizational tool for education, development, capacity building, and dialogue among peoples.
The Office takes pride in serving as an inclusive Arab umbrella that brings together 18 Arab countries, working collectively to advance astronomy and space sciences, promote scientific culture, empower youth, students, researchers, and amateur astronomers, and connect the Arab community with leading international initiatives in astronomy for development.
Since its establishment, the Office has sought to serve as an active bridge between Arab scientific institutions and their counterparts around the world — through supporting educational programs, organizing lectures and workshops, encouraging astronomical observation, developing scientific content in Arabic, promoting the participation of youth and women, and strengthening awareness of dark skies, astrotourism, and inclusive science communication.
The Arabic Language Expertise Center also works to bring astronomical knowledge closer to the Arabic-speaking reader by supporting Arabization, developing scientific terminology, and facilitating access to educational resources for students, teachers, and interested communities.
Our mission extends to cooperation with similar regional offices and language expertise centers within the global OAD network, through the exchange of expertise, the development of joint initiatives, and the expansion of astronomy's impact on sustainable development.
We believe that the sky, in its vastness and beauty, is a shared language of humanity, and that astronomy has the power to inspire generations and open new horizons for science, knowledge, and innovation.
We warmly welcome you all and invite you to be partners in this journey. May Allah grant us success.
Opening of the Regional Office
The Arab Regional Office of Astronomy for Development (Arab-ROAD) officially joined the network of the IAU Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD), with the office inaugurated in Amman, Jordan, on 2 December 2015.
The inauguration was attended by the IAU Secretary General Professor Piero Benvenuti, the Director of the OAD Mr. Kevin Govender, and representatives from the host institution and several Arab countries in the region. Dr. Awni Mohammad Al-Khasawneh, Secretary General of the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences, delivered a welcome address.
Professor Hamid Al-Naimiy, President of the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences and advisor to the University of Sharjah, delivered the Union's address, and Professor Dia Al-Din Arafa, President of Al al-Bayt University, delivered the opening speech.
The Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences hosts the Arab Regional Office of Astronomy for Development and the Arabic Language Expertise Centre, currently located in Amman, Jordan. It is now housed at the Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education affiliated with the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA).
Role of the Arab Regional Office of Astronomy for Development
The role of the Arab Regional Office of Astronomy for Development (Arab-ROAD) closely mirrors that of the OAD — fundamentally focused on strategic coordination.
Implementing the IAU Strategic Plan
AW-ROAD was established to help implement the IAU Strategic Plan — a living document providing broad guidance on achieving the developmental benefits of astronomy.
Strategic Advice
Guided by the IAU Strategic Plan and a global view of development activities, AW-ROAD provides strategic advice to individuals and organizations in the Arab region engaged in similar activities.
Coordination & Facilitation
AW-ROAD coordinates and facilitates regional activities in line with its mission — not by conducting ground activities directly, but by identifying partners or volunteers and providing them with the connections, assistance, and guidance needed to implement projects.
Funding & Infrastructure
AW-ROAD seeks to obtain or assist in obtaining funding and/or infrastructure as required by itself and its partners.