Salem AL MARRI

Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) • Director General

H.E. Salem Humaid AlMarri is the Director General of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC). With over 20 years of experience in the UAE National Space Programme, he 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.

AlMarri was instrumental in the UAE Astronaut Programme, 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 Programme, 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 Programme with the Satrec Initiative of South Korea.

Prior to becoming the Director General, AlMarri held several crucial roles, including Project Manager for DubaiSat-1 and DubaiSat-2, Head of the UAE Astronaut Programme, 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.

AlMarri'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 organising 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, AlMarri 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.

Events

International Astronautical Congress 2024

14-18 October 2024

Milan, Italy

Participation:

International Astronautical Congress 2021

25-29 October 2021

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Participation:

The Global Space Exploration Conference 2021

14-18 June 2021

St. Petersburg, Russia

Participation:

International Astronautical Congress 2019

21-25 October 2019

Washington, United States

Participation:

International Astronautical Congress 2018

1–5 October 2018

Bremen, Germany

Participation:

The Global Space Applications Conference 2018

21-23 May 2018

Montevideo, Uruguay

Participation:

International Astronautical Congress 2017

25-29 September 2017

Adelaide, Australia

Participation: