Sharaf says reaching Mars was a means to a broader goal of increasing the number of scientists in the UAE, developing a space sector and contributing to the span of human knowledge, which is why they are keen to engage local academics.

“This mission is not about reaching Mars but about inspiring a whole new generation and transforming the way youth think within the region,” he says. “The goal here is hope, for humanity, for the region, for youth in countries with lots of conflict.”

Emirates space mission hopes to launch new era in Middle East
Kareem Shaheen, www.theguardian.com