The United Arab Emirates is one of the few Arab nations making strides in space science and space technology. Despite being a relatively new country, with its union taking place in 1971, the UAE has managed to make more achievements in the space sector than any of its brothers and sisters across the region.
To complement the country’s success in this flourishing sector, the University of Sharjah and the UAE University in Al Ain have recently introduced a master’s degree program in astronomy and space science for the first time in the UAE, welcoming their first batch of students this year. And as a plus, these students will even be contributing to major projects, such as the first pan-Arab satellite ‘813’.
In 2018, the UAE launched KhalifaSat, the first Emirati-built satellite, and in 2019, the country achieved its first trip to space when Hazzaa Al Mansoori, the first Emirati astronaut travelled to the International Space Station (ISS). This year, the UAE launched the historic Emirates Mars Mission (EMM), its first mission to Mars. Today, young Emiratis are inspired more than ever, to pursue careers in space and lead the country’s path in shaping the future.