The UAE is preparing to host the International Moon Day Conference in 2025. It comes as the Gulf state is celebrating its 53rd Eid al-Etihad, or National Day, focusing on the progress seen under the leadership of President Sheikh Mohamed.
The UAE has a long history but the state in its present form only came into existence in 1971. The unification of the sheikhdoms, and the rise of the oil and petroleum industry, made it easier for the country to take its first independent steps in economy and foreign policy.
The interest of the UAE’s leadership stimulated interest in space in the country. Since the beginning of this century, there has been a fresh round of interest in space in the country. The UAE has signed the Outer Space Treaty and other documents.
Understanding UAE’s ambitious space exploration plans
It appears the Emirates has chosen an unconventional path to the stars. It is not about creating a launch vehicle. Instead, the UAE is focusing on ambitious projects, strong international partners and strong government support.
Located in Dubai, the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Center helps train Emirati astronauts, in addition to focusing on satellite control and missions to explore the Moon and Mars. The center has already noted substantial progress in recent years.
The UAE’s ambitious space exploration plans include space tourism and building a colony on the Red Planet. In the desert near Dubai, construction has already started on a scientific laboratory called Mars Science City, to stimulate the conditions of the planet.