More About the First Emirati Astronaut Nora Al Matrooshi

Nora Al Matrooshi, along with Mohammad Al Mulla makes the second batch of astronauts who are working in the UAE’s space program. They are both honored to lead the nation in its space ventures.

Women in the UAE have a distinct place and the UAE leadership has formed a support system that encourages women to step forward and make history. Al Matrooshi is one of those leading women in the UAE, who has made her place among distinct personalities. She believes every one can do it, if they are determined and focused. In her media statement she said to the Dubai Media Office, “My message to everyone is if I can do it, you can do it. And if no one has done it before then you can just go ahead and be the first, because if you have the ambition and drive you will find opportunities everywhere at any time.” She is the first one in the whole of the Arab world to be an astronaut, but it was not her aim to be the first. She just wanted to be in this field because it was her dream. She was chosen from among more than 4,000 candidates solely because she was brave, talented and hard working.

Once she was selected, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and the Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, congratulated her in his tweet:

We announce the first Arab female astronaut, among two new astronauts, selected from over 4,000 candidates to be trained with NASA for future space exploration missions. Congratulations Noura Al Matrooshi and Mohammed Al Mulla. pic.twitter.com/bfyquyzqAJ

— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) April 10, 2021

Al Matrooshi has been born in Sharjah and she studied mechanical engineering in 2015. She also represented the UAE at the UN Youth Conference in 2018 and 2019. She belongs to a family of sailors. She is one of the quadrant that represents the UAE astronauts in Hope mission. Speaking about determination and realizing one’s dreams Al Matrooshi said, “I’ve been working in the oil and gas field for several years, but my dream about becoming an astronaut never went away”. She believes the future holds more opportunities for the women in the UAE. Women need to come forward and take the lead. First woman astronaut of the UAE inspires millions.