Page 386 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - JANUARY 2025

The UAE is already closely working with the US and the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration (Nasa) in space exploration initiatives.

In January last year, the UAE announced its participation in developing a module on Nasa’s Lunar
Gateway Station alongside the USA, Japan, Canada and the European Union, in addition to sending
the first Emirati astronaut into lunar orbit as part of the project.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime
Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of the Supreme Space Council, said
last month that the UAE's space field has undergone remarkable transformation, with the country's
investments in the sector reaching Dh40 billion over the past years.
"We began our journey from the desert, venturing beyond the skies to reach the Moon, Mars, and
even the asteroid belt,” said Sheikh Hamdan.

Al Marri added that the UAE’s Hope Mission about space is part of the country’s leadership’s aim to
create hope among the Arab youth.

The UAE really focuses on science and technology to create hope for the region and opportunities. I
am tasked to focus on space clusters to diversify the economy. We have 50 space companies in the
UAE and I want to grow them,” Al Marri said during the panel discussion at the World Economic
Forum.

https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/very-excited-positive-uae-officials-expect-trumps-return-to-
boost-economic-ties-with-us