The UAE is looking to transport people to Mars over the next century and has unveiled plans to build the first city on the red planet by the year 2117. The 100-year national project will see the Gulf state collaborating with specialized international organizations and scientific institutes to achieve this feat.

© Twitter/ HH Sheikh Mohammed 

The energy rich country is set to prepare a national cadre to help with the scientific breakthrough that will facilitate the transfer of people to Mars in the next century. To achieve this, the 100-year plan involves scientific research programmes in space sciences at universities in the UAE, while also ingraining a passion for space in younger generations. 

This new project will focus on research and exploration of transportation means, energy and food on the red planet and will try to find faster transportation methods for travelling to and from Mars.

© Twitter/ HH Sheikh Mohammed

“The landing of people on other planets has been a long-time dream for humans. Our aim is that the UAE will spearhead international efforts to make this dream a reality,” Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid was quoted as saying. “The 2117 Mars initiative is a long-term project, which will first help develop our education, universities and research centres that will empower young Emiratis to enter all disciplines of scientific research fields,” he added.