Gulf's first remote satellite imaging centre

The gulf's first remote satellite imaging centre is about to open in the capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi.

Local officials say that high tech information from it will allow governments throughout the region to fight pollution and safeguard the environment.

The general manager of the project, Richard Marston, told the BBC that remote imaging will have an impact on a wide range of commercial activities in the region.

The centre will be accessing satellites belong to the United States, France, Russia and India as well a using aircraft-mounted optical cameras.

It is a joint venture between GEC Marconi and a local Abu Dhabi development company.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service