HRH Princess Sumaya inaugurates the headquarters of the UN-affiliated Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education for West Asia on Wednesday (Petra photo)

AMMAN — Deputising for His Majesty King Abdullah, HRH Princess Sumaya on Wednesday inaugurated the headquarters of the UN-affiliated Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education for West Asia in Jordan.

The centre is the first of its kind in Jordan and fifth in the world and is an indicator of Jordan’s international stature in the field of astronomy, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra.

Upon her arrival at the centre, the Princess was received by Director of the Royal Jordanian Geographic Centre Brig. Gen. Awni Khasawneh, who is also director general of the regional centre for space science education.

During the inauguration, Khasawneh said the centre will launch academic programmes on space science and its application, space weather and space communication among others.

Courses will be taught in Arabic, Khasawneh said, noting that the centre is accredited in Arab countries.

President of the Arab Union of Astronomy Humaid Nuaimy highlighted the importance of the centre on the regional and international levels, stressing the need for cooperation between Arab countries to ensure its success.

Princess Sumaya also inaugurated an exhibition, which showcases space photos and paraphernalia.

At the end of the ceremony, the Princess toured the centre and distributed plaques to a number of notables in the field of space and astronomy from both Arab and foreign countries, according

to Petra.