The interest of the United Arab Emirates in space and astronomy dates back to the seventies of the last century, when the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God rest his soul, met with the NASA team responsible for the Apollo mission to the moon, and this meeting was an incentive. To direct the UAE’s interest in space.

The signs of the birth of a national space sector began with the establishment of Thuraya Communications Company in April 1997, and then the Al Yah Satellite Communications Company, “Yahsat,” in 2007.

The steps on this path accelerated when His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, may God protect him, established the “Emirates Foundation for Advanced Science and Technology” to promote space science and scientific research in the UAE and the region. The institution worked from February 2006 until April 2015 before merging the institution with the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre.

Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre

The Mohammed bin Rashid Space Center took over the task of implementing the “Hope Probe” project, to explore the planet Mars, which was launched on July 20, 2020 and arrived on Mars in 2021, coinciding with the fiftieth anniversary of the establishment of the United Arab Emirates. The center also worked on designing and building the KhalifaSat satellite, which was launched in 2018, and is the most advanced satellite sent by the UAE into space.

The center has achieved many achievements, the most important of which is the launch of the two satellites, “DubaiSat 1” and “DubaiSat 2,” in 2009 and 2013, respectively, which are currently orbiting the Earth and taking pictures according to instructions directed to the ground station within the center. The center also succeeded in launching Naif 1, the first Emirati nano-satellite, into outer space in early 2017.

Emirates Space Agency

Ten years ago, the Emirates Space Agency was established, in 2014, by federal decree law, to develop the space sector in the country, where it assumes responsibility by establishing partnerships, academic programs, investments in research and development projects and commercial initiatives, and advancing space science research and exploration.

Achievements never stop

Throughout the past two decades, successes have been made on the space scene, and in the last five years, the UAE’s star has shone among the constellation of developed countries in the field of space science. On September 4, 2023, the UAE, and with it all the Arabs, was on a date with a new achievement that would restore the Arabs’ position on the map of science.

The Mohammed bin Rashid Space Center announced the successful return of astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi to Earth after completing the longest space mission in Arab history, which lasted 6 months.

The spacecraft separated from the International Space Station at exactly 3:05 AM, UAE time, on Sunday, September 3, and landed on the coast of Jacksonville, in Florida, in the United States of America, at exactly 8:17 AM, UAE time, on Monday, September 4. .

It was a national occasion par excellence, and the overwhelming patriotic feeling was heightened among every Emirati, and even every Arab who dreams of restoring the nation’s glory.

By the way, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, may God protect him, confirmed that the achievements witnessed by the UAE under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, may God protect him, further strengthen the position. Global support for the UAE, and confirms its worth as an active partner in creating a better future for the world, congratulating the Emirati astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi, on his safe arrival to Earth, after he wrote, over the course of six months, a new chapter in the UAE’s record of achievements.

His Highness said: “We dedicate this new achievement to our Arab nation as a confirmation of the UAE’s firm approach and its constant keenness to participate positively and influentially in creating a better future for the peoples of the region and the world.”

His Highness, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, praised the tireless efforts behind this historic achievement, which was achieved with the hands and minds of the people of the Emirates. His Highness said: “We launched the Emirates Astronaut Program in 2017… and in less than 6 years we celebrated the success of two flights bearing the name The Emirates into space… We have great confidence in our youth so that our country will always be at the forefront, inspiring generations and raising the bar of ambitions… With our distinguished national competencies, we are able to continue to amaze the world with inspiring qualitative achievements in all fields.”

A unique achievement

Sultan Al Neyadi achieved a unique achievement, and became a source of inspiration for future astronauts, our youth, the youth of the world, and all those working in this field and those concerned with it, especially thanks to the various scientific experiments he conducted on board the International Space Station. Al Neyadi spent more than 4,400 hours in space and nearly 600 hours conducting 200 scientific experiments aimed at serving people and improving their lives.

Astronaut Hazza Al Mansouri also played an important role as a responsible follow-up mission of Expedition 69 on Earth, where he and Sultan became a source of pride for the people of the Emirates and the Arab youth.

A hero’s welcome

In a message of utmost importance to the interior and abroad, the UAE, its leadership and its people, honored astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi, and on September 18, 2023, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, may God protect him, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, received Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, may God protect him, astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi, upon his arrival, and the accompanying team, at Abu Dhabi Airport. Their Highnesses congratulated Sultan Al Neyadi on his safe return to the homeland and his success, with God’s grace, in completing the longest mission in space in Arab history. They exchanged friendly, fatherly conversations with him, and listened to him about his experience in space, the lessons he learned, and the challenges he faced during the mission.

His Highness the President affirmed that “the UAE was founded on defying difficulties, and this was instilled in us by the founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan… and it became, praise be to God, a people’s culture.”

Clear fingerprint

His Highness said: “Today, the UAE has a clear imprint in the field of space. This is thanks to the vision and patronage of my brother, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. With your efforts, dedication and knowledge, we will continue our path in this field to serve development, science and humanity, and we have great confidence in the potential of our youth.” His Highness stressed, “The UAE’s investment in the field of space is an investment in the future that is based on science and technology. Whoever does not invest in science has no place in the future.”

His Highness added: “The space sector is one of the qualitative sectors… and the UAE is always looking for qualitative achievements that make a difference… because we are in a major development race… whether at the level of the region or the world… we win this race with such qualitative achievements… and we always We bet on quality… whether in human resources, projects, or anything else… and this makes you know the value of what you do for your country.”

His Highness the President said: “The Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre’s work team is a distinguished elite of the nation’s young men and women… and they have a great responsibility during the coming period… and we will provide them with all support, as they benefit not only the Emirates, but the whole world.”

For his part, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum stressed that the UAE Astronaut Program reinforces the country’s vision based on investing in people, empowering them, supporting their potential, and enhancing their expertise and capabilities, as it is the essence of achieving any progress in all fields.

His Highness said: “The arrival of Sultan Al Neyadi represents a major milestone in the UAE’s scientific development process. It also represents a bright point in the UAE’s journey of investing in people, which the founders began, and which we are completing today.”

His Highness stressed: “We will continue, God willing, to send more astronauts from our young men and women… and we will continue to launch more scientific, research and exploratory projects in space and on Earth, and we will continue, God willing, to invest in humanity, faith, and trust.” And empowerment for our sons and daughters.”

The UAE celebrated, officially and popularly, during a reception held at the new Abu Dhabi Airport on the occasion of the return of Sultan Al Neyadi, to express pride and pride in the historical achievement he achieved in its name, and in the name of all Arabs, after completing the longest space mission in Arab history. The Fursan Al Emirates aerobatic team presented a show at the event. Sky Airport, while the popular arts group “Al-Ayyala” participated in their performances to celebrate this occasion. Their Highness the Sheikhs, officials, the family of Sultan Al Neyadi, and various groups of society, including school students, employees of governmental and private entities, from all sectors, and individuals who expressed their happiness at his return, and sent a message of pride and pride in what he had achieved, participated in the reception ceremony, and his brothers, the people of the Emirates, participated. Achievements that enhance its international contributions and initiatives in the field of space and its sciences, for the benefit of the future of humanity.

Civilized message

In November 2023, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, received, may God protect him, in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance. , astronauts Sultan Al Neyadi, Hazza Al Mansouri, and Mohammed Al Mulla, and members of the “Zayed Ambition 2” mission team at the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, at Zabeel Palace, in Dubai, where His Highness praised the efforts of Al Neyadi, Al Mansouri, and the work team at the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre. His Highness said: “We value every achievement that young people add to the UAE’s record of successes and enhance its path on the path of progress and innovation. The commitment of Al Neyadi and Al Mansouri provides an inspiring model for Emirati and Arab youth, and even youth around the world, in striving to reach the highest levels of excellence in vital fields that serve humanity and support the path of Humanity is on the path to creating the future.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum explained that “the UAE has a comprehensive, cross-continental, cultural, developmental mission to create a new reality for the region and a future full of achievements, which begins with education, sharing knowledge and expertise in vital sectors, harnessing technology and capabilities to create new opportunities, and investing them for the benefit of… Scientific community.

His Highness said: “The Emirati dream does not accept retreat or inactivity… Every dream we have is followed by a bigger dream that is outside of expectations and ahead of the norm. Space has opened its doors to us, and the people of the Emirates are actively contributing to the scientific renaissance and global knowledge.”

Mohammed bin Rashid: We are a country founded on ambition and will not set small goals for itself

Before one mission was completed, another followed it. In April 2023, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced a new mission for the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Center to explore the moon under the name “Rashid 2”.

During His Highness’s visit to the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, accompanied by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and his meeting with the centre’s work team, Mohammed bin Rashid stressed the importance of showing determination and persistence, and believing that there are many successes to come, and that the UAE has come a long way. became a major player in the space industry in record time. His Highness said: “The first attempt to reach the moon has been completed… and we will continue to make new attempts, God willing, until we reach it.”

The announcement of the “Rashid 2” mission came only one day after the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Center announced that the Japanese company “I Space”, which developed the “Hakuto R” spacecraft, which carries the Emirati explorer “Rashid” on board, lost contact. With the lander, it was unable to confirm the landing of “Hakuto R” on the surface of the moon, after 140 days of the orbital flight of the vehicle, arriving at the moon.

When announcing the “Rashid 2” mission, His Highness said, “The mission of the vehicle carrying the explorer Rashid did not succeed in landing on the surface of the moon, but we succeeded in raising the ceiling of our ambitions to reach the moon, and we succeeded in creating a team of our young men and women capable of managing advanced space projects, and we succeeded in Building a space sector from scratch within 10 years.”

His Highness affirmed, “We are a country founded on ambition. We are a country that has not stopped since December 2, 1971, and will not stop, will not turn around, and will not set small goals for itself. What is coming is more beautiful, greater, and bolder, God willing.”

The Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, through the Emirates Moon Exploration Project, succeeded in achieving a number of important achievements, most notably the design of an explorer that is among the most advanced in the world, and the first Arab and Emirati explorer to reach the orbit of the moon and approach landing. These are extremely important achievements that highlight On the extent of the country’s commitment to advancing the field of space exploration.

The Rashid explorer was launched to the surface of the moon on December 11, 2022.

Global standing

With His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, the Emirati citizen today enjoys a global status, presents an inspiring model to the world in the sectors of science and space, and fulfills the dreams of his Arab brothers. His Highness confirmed in a call with astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi, 4 days after his arrival to the International Space Station in March 3, 2023: “The UAE has reserved its seat in space with the achievements of its people, which are the fruits of the continuous work of many work teams, and a tireless effort that has not stopped for a moment, which began since the establishment of the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, the establishment of the UAE Space Agency, and the launch of the UAE Space Strategy.” And many programs to qualify Emirati astronauts in the science and space sector, but the greatest ambition began in the seventies, Zayed’s dream and ambition to explore space and engrave the name of the Emirates not on the ground, but in the heights of the sky.”

His Highness said: “The Arab region is in dire need of an inspiring model for developing scientific capabilities, and the son of the Emirates proudly presented this model, not only to the region, but to the world, and today he is fulfilling the dreams of his Arab brothers.”

His Highness addressed Al Neyadi, during the call that took place at the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, where he said: “Your arrival to the International Space Station on the longest mission in Arab history is a pride for all of us, and an incentive for those young people who follow you, Emirati, Arab and international. I say and confirm that nothing is impossible for you.” The people of the Emirates, and our will works miracles.”

His Highness said: “…We continue to build national competencies in the space sector, and write renewed chapters in our exceptional story.”