Khaleej Times

This is what UAE’s Mars city will look like

- Staff Reporter reporters@khaleejtim­es.com

abu dhabi — Spending Dh500milli­on, the UAE will build a Mars City — the largest space simulation city ever built in the world and a realistic model to simulate living on the surface of Mars.

His Highnesses Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, VicePresid­ent and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces; jointly launched the ambitious Mars Science City project, which will cover 1.9 million square feet, on the sidelines of the annual government meetings which began in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.

The Mars Science City structure will be the most sophistica­ted building in the world, and will incorporat­e a realistic simulation environmen­t replicatin­g the conditions on the surface of Mars.

The city will consist of several domes, with innovative constructi­on techniques providing support for the structures. The project encompasse­s laboratori­es for food, energy and water, as well as agricultur­al testing and studies about food security in the future.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said: “The UAE seeks to establish internatio­nal efforts to develop technologi­es that benefit humankind, and that establish the foundation of a better future for more generation­s to come. We also want to consolidat­e the passion for leadership in science in the UAE, contributi­ng to improving life on earth and to developing innovative solutions to many of our global challenges.

“The UAE is a great country with vision and understand­ing of the challenges we face and the rapid changes our world is experienci­ng. We believe in the potential of space exploratio­n, and in collaborat­ing with global partners and leaders in order to harness the findings of this research and movement that seeks

We have great confidence in our national work teams, and Emirates Mars Mission prove that our youth are trustworth­y and capable of achieving national ambitions.” Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to meet people’s needs and improve quality of life on earth.”

He added: “The new project is another step in the UAE’s leading contributi­ons to the global science movement; we seek to set an example and motivation for others to participat­e, and contribute, to humanity’s march into space.”

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed said: ““We have great confidence in our national work teams, and Emirates Mars Mission proves that our youth are trustworth­y and capable of achieving national ambitions.”

Desert sand will be used

The Mars Science City will also have a museum that displays humanity’s greatest space achievemen­ts, including educationa­l areas meant to engage young citizens with space, and inspire in them a passion for exploratio­n and discovery. The walls of the museum will be 3D-printed, using sand from the Emirati desert.

This project will include advanced laboratori­es that simulate the red planet’s terrain and harsh environmen­t through advanced 3D printing technology and heat and radiation insulation. It seeks to attract the best scientific minds from around the world in a collaborat­ive contributi­on in the UAE to human developmen­t and the improvemen­t of life. It also seeks to address global challenges such as food, water and energy security on earth.

 ?? Photos courtesy: Dubai Media Office ?? An artist’s impression­s of the Mars Scientific City that will simulate life on Mars. —
Photos courtesy: Dubai Media Office An artist’s impression­s of the Mars Scientific City that will simulate life on Mars. —
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