Top 100 Arabs 2024

18. Salem Humaid Al Marri

Director general, Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC)

Origin: UAE

Residence: UAE

Sector: Space

2023 Rank: 18

Saleem Al Marri has been instrumental in driving the UAE National Space Programme forward. Under his guidance, significant milestones have been achieved, including the inception and execution of groundbreaking initiatives such as Mars 2117, the Emirates Mars Mission, UAE Astronaut Programme, and the UAE Satellite Programme.

In 2024, the UAE is poised to make significant strides in the global space race. The launch of the Arab world’s most powerful satellite, alongside the addition of two Nasa-trained Emirati astronauts, underscores the country’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of space exploration.

Despite challenges, such as the crash-landing of the Rashid rover on the lunar surface in April 2023, MBRSC engineers are already working on the development of Rashid 2.

Al Marri’s focus on fostering global partnerships — such as the recent agreement between NASA and MBRSC to provide an airlock for Gateway, the first space station to orbit the Moon — has propelled the UAE to a strong position in the global space sector.

Sarah bint Yousif Al Amiri

Lubna Suliman Olayan