His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has declared the names of the two new Emirati astronauts who will establish the second batch of the UAE Astronaut Program, which includes the first ever female Arab astronaut.

"Today, we announce two new Emirati astronauts, Mohammed AMulla and Nora AlMatrooshi. Among both Nora, is first female Arab astronaut. They were chosen from over 4,000 applicants. Their preparation for international space flights will begin soon. We congratulate them on behalf of the government and expect them to continue to lift the UAE's profile in space,” his Majesty Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum said.

The two new astronauts will accompany astronauts Hazzaa AlMansoori and Sultan AlNeyadi to form a four-person team under the UAE Astronaut Program, advancing the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre's strategy of achieving the UAE's wise leadership's aim of making the country one of the world's leading nations through the National Space Programme.

First female Arab astronaut, Nora AlMatrooshi

Nora AlMatrooshi, the first Arab astronaut, graduated from the UAE University with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering in 2015 and has years of experience in the field of engineering, is among the second batch of the UAE Astronaut Program. During her academic years, AlMatrooshi thrived in engineering and mathematics, ranking first in the UAE for the 2011 International Mathematical Olympiad and presenting the UAE at the United Nations Youth Conference in the summer of 2018 and winter of 2019.

Astronaut Mohammed AlMulla

Mohammed AlMulla, the second astronaut in the UAE Astronaut Program, is the youngest pilot in Dubai Police, having received a commercial pilot's licence from the Australian Civil Aviation Authority at the age of 19. After receiving his pilot trainer licence from the GCAA, he set another milestone, by becoming the youngest trainer in the same organisation at the age of 28. He earned a bachelor's degree in law and economics from the Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government in 2015 and an Executive Master of Public Administration from the Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government in 2021 while pursuing his career. AlMulla is the Air Wing Centre's Head of Training Department. In addition to the Dubai Police Global Excellence Award, he won the Bravery Medal from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and the Commander in Chief Award for the Best Officer in a Specialized Field.

For humanity

Future Emirati Astronaut missions will bring new scientific insights to the scientific and global communities, as well as promote the development of the Arab space industry and work towards a better future for humanity. The UAE's efforts to train astronauts with the best records in fields like technology, science, and math and send them to space are in reality an invitation to Arab youth to dream big and follow in their footsteps. The UAE has made a name for itself in the Arab space market, capitalizing on remarkable accomplishments such as the launch of the Hope Probe, the first Arab mission to Mars.

The announcement of the second batch of astronauts exemplifies the leadership's ambitious vision of a knowledge-based economy in a smart society built on the foundations of technical innovation and scientific research. This is the path that will lead to the UAE's Centennial in 2071. Over the last few years, the national space sector has seen investments of more than AED22 billion, with the selection of astronauts to motivate national cadres being a key project driving this sector.

Building Emirati capabilities

“Today, we proceed on our quest to write a new scientific history for the Arab region in the field of space research, which was initiated and thanks to the ambition and guidance of our wise leadership and guidance towards realizing our dream of being at the forefront of space sector. The UAE Astronaut Program is vital to realizing this ambitious vision, as it seeks to develop a knowledge-based economy for the UAE's youth, which will be crucial for advanced future projects and help us recognize our leadership's vision, which has taught us that nothing is impossible, and that young Emiratis' vision must go beyond the limits of space.” H.E. Yousuf Hamad AlShaibani, Director General, MBRSC said.

He further adds: “By raising the UAE flag on the International Space Station with the first batch of UAE Astronauts, we were able to capture the world's attention (ISS). Today, we are taking another significant step forward by announcing the second batch of the UAE Astronaut Program, and will continue to work to improve the skills of Emirati youth in the space sector.”

The first female Arab astronaut

“We are excited to have Nora AlMatrooshi and Mohammed AlMulla join the UAE Astronaut Program. After receiving nominations, the MBRSC team worked diligently to review them according to defined requirements and standards, conducting subsequent reviews to ensure the selection of the best applicants," said Salem AlMarri, Assistant Director General for Scientific and Technical Affairs and Head of the UAE Astronaut Programme, MBRSC.

He further adds: “When we opened registration for the second batch of the UAE Astronaut Program, we were pleased and proud to see the excitement and enthusiasm from Emirati youth, enabling them to be a part of a national curriculum that seeks to serve the UAE in one of the most important technical and scientific fields that will form the future of the world."

“The inclusion of the first female Emirati and Arab astronaut in the second batch of the UAE Astronaut Program is also notable. The UAE, that has always been a pioneer in a variety of fields, has once again shown its commitment to working hard for both its young men and women. Female candidates made up 33% of the applicants for the programme, indicating that Emirati women are more secure in their skills and unlimited capabilities." AlMarri came to a conclusion.

Advanced training plan

As part of a joint strategic agreement between the UAE and the United States of America to train astronauts at NASA's Johnson Space Center, the two astronauts from the second batch of the UAE Astronaut Programme will also join the "2021 NASA Astronaut Candidate Class." The two new astronauts will receive training in human spaceflight, science, and space flight control, as well as missions in low orbit, using the Human Exploration Research Analog, a three-story habitat that simulates isolation, confinement, and remote conditions in exploration situations.

International standards of assessment

For the second batch of the UAE Astronaut Program, 4,305 people applied. The candidates were evaluated and qualified in compliance with international standards at various stages. The list was narrowed down to 2099 applicants in the first step based on their age, educational history, and scientific research experience. The applicants were then put through IQ, personality, and technical tests, with the top 1,000 candidates being chosen. After assessing the top 1,000 candidates in step two, the MBRSC selection committee chose 122 applicants to be interviewed virtually. The 122 candidates were further assessed based on the interviews, resulting in a shortlist of 61 applicants.

The MBRSC team performed preliminary and advanced medical tests on the 61 candidates who had been handpicked for the third phase, reducing the number of candidates to 30 for the final phase. After passing the initial remote interviews of the final phase of assessments, 14 candidates were chosen from a pool of 30. The candidates selected included 9 men and 5 women from various science and academic disciplines including 4 from the aviation industry, 9 engineers, and a candidate with a specialisation in metrology. A committee of MBRSC experts, including Emirati astronauts Hazzaa AlMansoori and Sultan AlNeyadi, and NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Anne McClain, narrowed the 14 candidates down to four. After completing stringent assessments for physical performance, communication skills, and teamwork, the two candidates were chosen from the final four.