Dubai Ruler Cheers UAE Astronauts’ Space Aspirations

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, celebrated the UAE’s strides in the global space race during a meeting with two of the nation’s astronauts. Sheikh Mohammed met with Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) team members at Union House in Dubai, where he encouraged astronauts Nora Al Matrooshi and Mohammed Al Mulla to aim high in their space exploration endeavors.

Nora Al Matrooshi, the first Emirati woman astronaut, and her colleague Mohammed Al Mulla, have completed their intensive two-year training with NASA, making them eligible for space missions. They aspire to follow in the footsteps of Hazza Al Mansouri, the UAE’s first astronaut, and Sultan Al Neyadi, who recently returned from a six-month mission aboard the International Space Station.

The meeting was also attended by Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed, chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and CEO of Emirates Airline. Senior officials from MBRSC, including Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori and Amer Al Sayegh Al Ghaferi, were present.

Sheikh Mohammed urged the space center leaders to push the nation’s space sector to new heights. He received updates on the development of MBZ-Sat, the region’s most advanced imaging satellite, which is scheduled for launch on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket by October.

Sheikh Mohammed also emphasized the importance of continuous innovation and international collaboration in space exploration. He highlighted the UAE’s commitment to becoming a major player in the space industry and its efforts to inspire future generations of Emiratis to pursue careers in science and technology. The leadership’s vision, he noted, is to achieve significant milestones that would contribute to the global advancement of space technology.

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