H.E. Salem Humaid Al Marri Salem Humaid Al Marri

With over 20 years of experience in the UAE National Space Program, Salem Al Marri has played a pivotal role in the development and execution of significant projects at the Centre, including the partnership with NASA to build the Emirates Airlock on the Gateway Lunar Space Station.

Al Marri was instrumental in the UAE Astronaut Program, shaping its strategy and objectives, and leading the selection process of astronauts. Under his guidance, MBRSC has advanced in satellite technology through the UAE Satellite Program, developing multiple satellites, and spearheading the Emirates Mars Mission and Emirates Lunar Mission.

He played a key role in establishing the Emirates Institution for Advanced Science and Technology (EIAST) in 2006, which merged with MBRSC in 2015. AlMarri also initiated the Knowledge Transfer Program with the Satrec Initiative of South Korea.

Prior to becoming the Director General, Al Marri held several crucial roles, including Project Manager for DubaiSat-1 and DubaiSat-2, Head of the UAE Astronaut Program, and Deputy Director General at MBRSC. He is a member of the International Academy of Astronautics and has fostered collaborations with leading space agencies, including NASA, ESA, JAXA, Roscosmos, and CNES.

Al Marri's leadership was vital in winning the rights to host the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) 2021 and SpaceOps 2023 in Dubai. He successfully led the organizing committee for the IAC in 2021, marking the first time the event was held in an Arab nation.

Awarded the Exceptional Public Service Medal from NASA and the UAE Pioneers Award, Al Marri has represented the UAE at international conferences and the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPOUS). He holds a bachelor’s degree in computer network engineering from the Higher Colleges of Technology Dubai.