H.E. Prof. Jamal Sanad Al-Suwaidi, Director General of the Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research (ECSSR), has stressed that sending the first UAE astronaut to the International Space Station is an important milestone, not just in UAE history, but for that of the region and the Arab world. He pointed out that reaching space is not an easy endeavor, as it poses serious difficulties and challenges. However, our wise leadership has always shown that determination and strong will can work miracles.

H.E. Prof. Jamal Sanad Al-Suwaidi said this achievement represents a major step forward in UAE efforts to join the international race for space exploration, and confirms that the UAE has realized its ambitions to become a leading nation in this field.

His Excellency also believes that the UAE this year is reaching new heights in its accomplishments, emphasized by the exceptional achievement of reaching space, adding to the nation’s many other unprecedented successes.

He added: “Through this historic achievement, the UAE has established itself in the space domain. Through significant efforts and years of planning, the UAE now has the potential and capability to become a regional and global hub for space-related activities and events. It has a space-related IT infrastructure on the one hand, and aspirational programs to build competent personnel in the field of space exploration on the other. These include the UAE Astronaut Programme, which prepared the two Emirati astronauts of whom we are all proud, to be UAE ambassadors in space, able to perform scientific missions that serve the UAE and humanity, realizing the dream of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (may God rest his soul in peace).