Emirati astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi on the International Space Station. ARCHIVE

The UAE is setting its sights on the Moon, with plans to land an Emirati astronaut on the lunar surface within the next decade, a senior space official announced. Salem Al Marri, Director General of the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), revealed the ambitious goal during a panel discussion at the recent World Governments Summit in Dubai. “What drives me, and I think drives a lot of people at the MBRSC, is that we want to see an Emirati on the surface of the Moon within the next 10 years,” Al Marri said. “And I think we will do everything that we can to make sure that happens.” The mission is part of the UAE's long-term strategy to become a key player in space exploration. The country has already achieved significant milestones, including sending the first Emirati astronaut, Hazza Al Mansouri, to the International Space Station in 2019. Sultan Al Neyadi later became the first Arab to embark on a long-duration space mission in 2023. The UAE is collaborating with NASA as part of the Artemis program, contributing components to the Gateway lunar station in exchange for access to the station. However, sending an astronaut to the Moon's surface will require a separate agreement with international partners. SpaceX and Blue Origin, both developing lunar landers, are potential collaborators for the mission. Al Marri emphasized that the Moon mission is a stepping stone for more ambitious goals, particularly Mars exploration. The UAE’s Mars 2117 program, launched in 2017, aims to establish a human settlement on the Red Planet within the next century. “The global exploration roadmap is moving toward Mars, with sample returns and eventual human missions,” Al Marri explained. “However, the Moon plays a crucial role as a testing ground for technologies and procedures.” He acknowledged the contrasting opinions of some industry figures, including Elon Musk, who has referred to the Moon as a “distraction.” However, Al Marri insisted that lunar missions remain critical to the UAE’s space strategy. “We can work on both at the same time,” he said. “The Moon is closer and provides a platform for research that will eventually help us reach Mars.” The UAE’s ambitious plans have garnered international attention, reinforcing the country's status as a rising star in the global space community. ICA/Expat Media
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