The Dubai AI Festival 2025 proudly welcomes His Excellency Salem Humaid AlMarri, Director General of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), as a keynote speaker. With over two decades of transformative leadership in the UAE National Space Programme, H.E. AlMarri is a pioneering force in space exploration, satellite technology, and international space collaboration.
Two Decades of Shaping the UAE’s Space Future
H.E. AlMarri’s journey with MBRSC is closely intertwined with the rise of the UAE as a bold and innovative spacefaring nation. His extensive career has been dedicated to envisioning and executing landmark missions that place the UAE among the world’s most ambitious players in space science and technology.
As Director General, he has overseen the development of key strategic programmes, including the UAE Satellite Programme, which has launched multiple satellites for Earth observation, environmental monitoring, and advanced communication.
Pioneering Global Partnerships in Space
Among the centrepieces of H.E. AlMarri’s legacy is his leadership in securing the UAE’s strategic partnership with NASA to develop the Emirates Airlock module for the Gateway Lunar Space Station—a key component in NASA’s Artemis program that aims to establish a sustainable presence on the Moon.
This groundbreaking collaboration underscores the UAE’s role as an active and respected partner in international deep space exploration and cements MBRSC’s contributions to humanity’s next great leap.
Building the Nation’s Astronaut Corps
H.E. AlMarri also spearheaded the UAE Astronaut Programme, defining its vision, objectives, and astronaut selection strategy. His work has shaped the trajectory of the nation’s space crew and has brought the UAE into the elite circle of countries with human spaceflight capability.
Through this initiative, the UAE has proudly launched its own astronauts to the International Space Station, further inspiring a new generation of youth and space professionals across the Arab world.
From Mars to the Moon: Ambitious Missions Ahead
Under his guidance, MBRSC launched two of the most iconic space missions in the region’s history: the Emirates Mars Mission (“Hope Probe”), which reached Mars orbit in 2021, and the Emirates Lunar Mission, representing the UAE’s foray into lunar exploration.
These projects have advanced the nation’s capacity in autonomous spacecraft operations, planetary science, and AI-powered space systems—areas that form a critical bridge between outer space and intelligent technology.
Keynote at Dubai AI Festival 2025: Exploring the AI–Space Nexus
At the Dubai AI Festival 2025, H.E. Salem Humaid AlMarri will offer a visionary keynote on the role of AI in the future of space missions, from autonomous navigation and onboard diagnostics to data analytics for interplanetary science.
As the lines between AI and aerospace innovation blur, his insights will shed light on how intelligent systems are reshaping mission design, crew safety, satellite functionality, and deep space exploration.
H.E. AlMarri’s participation is a highlight for anyone invested in the confluence of space exploration and artificial intelligence, and promises to inspire technologists, scientists, and visionaries working on Earth and beyond.
