• Ruler of Dubai and Vice President of UAE Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum reviewed the new strategy
• The strategy covers the Mars Exploration Project “Hope Probe” 2117 Strategy, the Astronaut Program and others

Arab News

DUBAI: The UAE’s Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre plans to send the first Arab mission with Emirati astronauts to the moon by 2024, state news agency WAM reported.

The mission is part of their new 2021-2031 strategy which was launched by the center on Saturday, and includes plans related to space missions and satellites.

Ruler of Dubai and Vice President of UAE Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum reviewed the new strategy.

I reviewed the 10-year plan for the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre. We will announce our next space missions soon and will establish specialised satellite development programs. A space center simulator, and other educational programs, will help provide training in this sector. pic.twitter.com/buBVJb7XGG

— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) September 26, 2020

“Its future programs for training national cadres in the space sector and building satellites will be supported by knowledge, data and innovations academic and scientific research institutions in the Arab world and the world for the benefit of mankind,” Al-Maktoum tweeted.

The strategy covers the Mars Exploration Project “Hope Probe” 2117 Strategy, the Astronaut Program, the Satellite Development Program, and the UAE Space Sector Sustainability Program.

The UAE’s national space sector has already attracted nearly $5.98 billion in investments during the past few years, according to WAM.

The strategy also aims to improve innovation in the national space sector and develop the qualifications of UAE nationals.

“The UAE’s ambition in the space sector explores, plans and makes the future. Our youth, engineers and pioneers open new horizons in the science, technology and innovation fields in this vital sector for the future of our world,” Al-Maktoum tweeted.