The United Arab Emirates has jumped into the international space race at a full sprint, announcing plans on Wednesday to create a space program and send an unmanned probe to Mars by 2021.See also the WaPo:
"The UAE Mars probe represents the Islamic world’s entry into the era of space exploration," UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan said, according to Reuters. "We will prove that we are capable of delivering new scientific contributions to humanity."
The proposed space program is the latest costly project for the country, which has one of the top 10 GDP per capita income in the world. It previously constructed the world's tallest skyscraper and recently announced plans to create a climate-controlled city.
In the statement announcing the space program, officials said they are seeking to foster growth in the country's technology sectors and diversify its economy. According to the National, the UAE has already invested 20 billion dirhams (approximately $5.9 billion) in space technology, and plans to launch the Mars probe in 2021 in tandem with its 50th anniversary....MORE
U.A.E. plans Arab world’s first mission to Mars
...The oil-rich Gulf state is never short on hubris. It's home to the next iterations of global museums like the Louvre and the Guggenheim in Abu Dhabi and the world's tallest building and busiest airport for international travelers in Dubai. The royal family in Abu Dhabi has even plowed national wealth into owning and improving the reigning English soccer champions, Manchester City....MORE
