Once upon a time, in the UAE, a brave astronaut named Sultan Al Neyadi embarked on a thrilling adventure into space. He became the very first Arab astronaut to take a spacewalk and explore the mysterious depths beyond our planet.

This incredible journey was part of a mission called Zayed Ambition 2, which showed that the UAE is soaring high among the greatest spacefaring nations.

The UAE has always dreamt big when it comes to space exploration. The country’s visionary leaders and strategic investments have paved the way for groundbreaking space projects. The UAE National Space Programme was inspired by Sheikh Zayed. He is the Father of the Nation, who had a passion for space.

He even met American astronauts back in the 70s. The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) played a crucial role in transforming the UAE into a space power.

UAE’s Stellar Odyssey

• The journey began with the development of observation satellites like DubaiSat-1 and DubaiSat-2. Then, the UAE built its very own Earth observation satellite called KhalifaSat. The UAE even set its sights on Mars, launching the Emirates Mars Mission, also known as Al Amal. In February 2021, the Hope Probe successfully entered orbit around Mars, providing valuable insights about the planet’s atmosphere.
• The UAE have set their sights on building a human settlement on Mars by the year 2117 through the Mars 2117 program. To prepare for this interplanetary future, the UAE Astronaut Program was established.
• Hazzaa AlMansoori became the first Emirati astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS), followed by Sultan AlNeyadi and Nora AlMatrooshi, the first female Arab astronaut.
• The UAE’s space missions have brought immense pride and technological advancements to the country. Through collaborations with international organizations, the UAE is creating a thriving space ecosystem!
• It supports various industries such as agriculture, mining, and oil and gas. They are also conducting experiments on the ISS to improve life on Earth. This includes research on cardiovascular and immune systems, back pain, and even growing tomatoes in space!
• From the first spacewalk by Sultan Al Neyadi to the breathtaking images captured by the Hope Probe, the UAE’s journey into space has been filled with awe-inspiring achievements. The UAE’s commitment to space exploration is fuelled by the vision of their founding leaders.
• Importantly, their determination is to be at the forefront of scientific discoveries. With each mission and project, the UAE is cementing its place among the elite spacefaring nations. Further, inspiring future generations to reach for the stars.

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