Things To Know About The First Emirati Female Astronaut!

The UAE is now in the lead in gender equality roles and recruitment. As the UAE announced the very first female Emirati astronaut, Nora Al Matrooshi. Al Matrooshi’s recruitment such a history-making moment for women in the region, we’ve compiled some of the key things you need to know about her. 

The first female Arab astronaut

Following her recruitment into the space program, Al Matrooshi has become the first female not only in the UAE but in the Arab world to become an astronaut.

She previously trained as an engineer

After obtaining her bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from UAE University in 2015, Sharjah-born Al Matrooshi gained several years of experience in the field.

Al Matrooshi also previously represented the UAE at the United Nations Youth Conference in summer 2018 and winter 2019.

She comes from a family of sailors

Al Matrooshi explained that she comes from a family of sailors on her mother’s side.

“My mum’s side of the family are sailors,” she said. “I’d say they explored the ocean. The term ‘astronaut’ means ‘star sailor’ in Greek.”

She received public congratulations from Sheikh Mohammed

Upon the announcement of her recruitment as an astronaut for the UAE, Al Matrooshi received public congratulations from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and the Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai.

Becoming an astronaut is her childhood dream

“I first started dreaming of becoming an astronaut when my teacher in kindergarten asked us to build a tent and pretend it was a spacecraft that was taking us to the Moon,” she said during the recent press conference. “Since then I’ve become extremely passionate about becoming an astronaut.”

“I’ve been working in the oil and gas field for several years, but my dream about becoming an astronaut never went away,” she continued. “This is a life-changing opportunity. The dream I’ve had since a child has come true. Now, I’ve started dreaming bigger.”

Image Source: Arabian Business