WGS 2025: When will an Emirati astronaut land on Moon? MBRSC chief reveals UAE’s plan

Dubai: The UAE is accelerating its space ambitions, with plans to send its first astronaut to the Moon’s surface within the next ten years and a long-term vision for human exploration of Mars.

Salem Humaid Al Marri, Director General of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), revealed the expected time frame for the much anticipated Moon landing mission during a discussion on Day 2 of the World Governments Summit (WGS) in Dubai on Wednesday.

“Honestly, what drives me — and I believe drives many at MBRC — is the desire to see an Emirati on the surface of the Moon within the next 10 years,” Al Marri said during the session “Martian Exploration: Progress on the UAE’s Pioneering Achievements in the Space Sector.”

“We are committed to doing everything we can to make that a reality. Part of that effort includes key elements like the Lunar Gateway, the airlock, and other crucial components that will enable this vision,” he added.

Global space initiatives

As part of its growing role in global space initiatives, the UAE is contributing an airlock system to NASA’s Lunar Gateway, the space station orbiting the Moon. In return, the UAE will secure future access for an Emirati astronaut to the orbital station and potential lunar surface missions.

As a signatory to the Artemis Accords, the UAE is actively contributing to international efforts in lunar exploration. This partnership aligns the country with Nasa and other global space agencies in developing sustainable lunar missions, including participation in the Artemis programme, the Lunar Gateway, and future surface operations on the Moon.

Lunar exploration

Speaking to Gulf News after the session Al Marri said Emirati astronauts are currently undergoing training on various elements of lunar exploration, including advanced spacesuit technologies and Gateway operations.

“We are training now,” he added, noting that not all four Emirati astronauts are currently undergoing the same training. “Different astronauts are training on different elements. With new suits coming and the developments in the airlock and Gateway, they will be trained on that as well.”

From the Moon to Mars

But the Moon is just the beginning. Al Marri reaffirmed that the UAE’s ultimate goal is Mars, envisioning a future where the country plays a leading role in both robotic and human missions to the Red Planet.

“Because we have that big vision, eventually we want to have rovers, power sources, humans, life support systems, space stations, whatever it may be, working and living on Mars,” he said during the session, underlining the nation’s ambition to transition from robotic exploration to eventual human settlement.

The UAE in 2017 had announced an ambitious goal of establishing a human settlement on Mars by 2117, demonstrating its long-term vision for space exploration and scientific innovation. Through initiatives like the Mars 2117 Project, the country is investing in advanced technologies, habitat research, and international collaboration to pave the way for sustainable life on the Red Planet.

The Hope Probe

The Emirates Mars Mission, which successfully sent the Hope Probe to orbit Mars, is a key step in building the knowledge and capabilities needed for future crewed missions. By focusing on space sciences, robotics, and AI, the UAE aims to contribute to humanity’s broader efforts in interplanetary exploration and position itself as a leader in the field.

Expanding space footprint

The UAE’s space agenda extends far beyond crewed missions, with a strong focus on scientific discovery and interplanetary exploration.

Salem Butti Al Qubaisi, Director General of the UAE Space Agency, who joined Al Marri in discussing about the country’s commitment to deep space exploration, highlighted the nation’s achievements, particularly the Emirates Mars Mission (Hope Probe) and the upcoming Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt.

The Hope Probe, which entered Mars’ orbit in 2021, continues to provide groundbreaking data on the Martian atmosphere, offering new insights into climate patterns and atmospheric loss. The success of this mission has positioned the UAE as a key contributor to global Mars research, Al Qubaisi said.

Building on this momentum, he said, the UAE is now preparing for its most ambitious interplanetary endeavour yet: the Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt. Slated for launch in 2028, the mission spanning 13 years aims to explore seven asteroids between Mars and Jupiter by flying past six of them and then culminating in a landing on the final target — the little known asteroid Justitia.

This project is expected to advance the UAE’s technological expertise in deep-space navigation and planetary science