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Last month, Emirati astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi returned to Earth after spending six months with Crew-6 on the International Space Station (ISS.) 

The UAE is looking to the next steps for its space program to shape the future of space exploration and raise the UAE’s stature in the global space industry.

“The next phase of our journey will see groundbreaking Emirati space ventures,” said Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai.

Emirati astronauts Mohammed Al Mulla and Nora Al Matrooshi will be set to take on space missions after graduation in 2024, says Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai. 

“By 2024, Mohammed Al Mulla and Nora Al Matrooshi will embark on trailblazing space missions,” Sheikh Hamdan posted on his account on X.

Al Mulla, a former Dubai Police helicopter pilot, and Al Matrooshi, an engineer and the first Emirati female astronaut, were sent to train with NASA Astronaut Group 23 in April 2021 in Houston, Texas.

Chairing a meeting of the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, Sheikh Hamdan offered an update on the UAE’s space exploration plans, stating that the next phase involves raising the UAE’s place in the global space industry and providing projects that benefit humanity. He was also briefed on MBRSC’s future projects.

“Next year, we will launch MBZ-Sat, the Arab world’s most advanced satellite to date,” said Sheikh Hamdan.

“The Rashid Rover 2 project will continue as our determination to explore the moon remains. Our journey has just started, and the best is yet to come,” he adds.

Furthermore, the meeting touched upon the satellite Payload Hosting Initiative, a joint effort by the MBRSC and the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs to promote science and technology for the industry in developing countries.

“Our goal is to unearth new data and gain knowledge and insights that will bring benefits not just for our nation but also for the region and the global community,” notes Sheikh Hamdan.