Today's Edition
BATOOL GHAITH (ABU DHABI)
Though a relatively new entrant in the global space arena, the UAE has swiftly turned its cosmic aspirations into concrete accomplishments. From reaching Mars with its Hope Probe to sending Emirati astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS), the nation has marked historic milestones.
Yet, what stands out, as one expert noted, is how these achievements have sparked something bigger: they’ve transformed space science from a distant dream into a tangible reality for the country’s youth.
As World Space Week is observed across the globe, the UAE’s rapidly advancing space programme stands out as a compelling example of how exploration beyond Earth can fuel innovation, education, and national pride.
This programme has played a critical role in motivating the next generation to engage deeply with scientific and engineering disciplines, reinforcing the fundamental truth that space exploration is ultimately a mastery of science, technology, and innovation, said Prof. Ilias Fernini, Visiting Professor at the United Arab Emirates University.
“For many students, the concept of space exploration was long perceived as the realm of science fiction or something seen only in films such as ‘Star Wars’, rather than a tangible scientific pursuit,” Fernini told Aletihad.
This mindset, he said, dramatically shifted when the UAE started making space history. In just a decade since establishing its Space Agency in 2014, the UAE has transformed its visionary ambition into tangible achievements.
The landmark Hope Probe, launched in 2020, placed the UAE among an elite group of nations to reach Mars, making it the first Arab country and the fifth globally to do so. It also became the second country to successfully enter Mars’ orbit on its first attempt.
Following Hope, the focus shifted to Rashid Rover, which was developed to explore the surface of the Moon as part of the Emirates Lunar Mission led by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC). The rover represented the Arab world’s first lunar surface mission.
The MBRSC has partnered with US-based Firefly Aerospace to transport the Rashid 2 Rover to the Moon’s far side in 2026. The rover will fly on Firefly’s Blue Ghost lander, stacked on the Elytra Dark orbital vehicle, as part of the company’s second lunar mission.
Meanwhile, satellite projects such as KhalifaSat, Yahsat, and Bayanat’s Earth observation systems now serve national goals in communication, navigation, and climate monitoring.
The Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt, announced in 2023, will explore seven asteroids and attempt a landing by 2034 — another unprecedented mission in the region.
Emirati astronauts Hazza Al Mansoori and Sultan Al Neyadi have carried the UAE flag to the International Space Station, turning space exploration into a shared national experience.
Al Neyadi’s historic six-month mission in 2023 made him the first Arab astronaut to perform a spacewalk, a milestone that resonated beyond the space world and into schools and universities.
“These milestones have served as powerful inspiration for youth across the nation. This shift in mindset has contributed to a growing interest among students in pursuing education in STEM fields,” Fernini said.
Through initiatives such as the UAE Astronaut Programme and partnerships with NASA, JAXA, and European space agencies, the UAE is not only reaching for the stars but also preparing its youth to lead the next chapter of space innovation.
With a clear vision and long-term investment, the country is building a highly skilled workforce capable of supporting and advancing the nation’s growing ambitions in the space sector, Fernini said.
