The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is planning launch an unmanned mission to Mars by 2021, marking the entry of the Arab world into space exploration.
In addition, a new UAE Space Agency will be built to manage the country’s growing space technology sector and to deal with the unmanned Mars mission.
UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyanhas was quoted by MaersNews as saying: "The UAE Mars probe represents the Islamic world’s entry into the era of space exploration.
"We will prove that we are capable of delivering new scientific contributions to humanity.
"The UAE’s purpose is to build Emirati technical and intellectual capabilities in the fields of aerospace and space exploration and to enter the space industry and to make use of space technology in a way that enhances the country’s development plans."
Being one of the nine nations with space programmes to explore the Red Planet, the Mars probe’s journey will coincide with the 50th anniversary of the UAE’s formation.
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By GlobalDataDubai Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said: "We chose the epic challenge of reaching Mars because epic challenges inspire us and motivate us.
"The moment we stop taking on such challenges is the moment we stop moving forward."
The UAE has already invested $5.4bn in space technologies, including satellite data and TV broadcast firm, Al Yah Satellite Communications, mobile satellite communication, Thuraya Satellite Telecommunications and Earth mapping and observation system, Dubai Sat.
