MBRSC and Dubai Health sign pact for Emirati astronauts’ health
Both entities plan joint initiatives
Dubai’s Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC)—home of the UAE space programme—has entered a partnership with Dubai Health, Dubai government’s healthcare provider, to ensure the health of Emirati astronauts and pioneer innovations in space healthcare.
Under the agreement, MBRSC and Dubai Health will implement initiatives designed to enhance Emirati astronaut health management.
These initiatives include comprehensive health assessments before mission deployment, encompassing medical examinations, screenings, and evaluations to ensure astronauts’ fitness for space travel.
The agreement, signed at MBRSC’s headquarters, underscores the UAE’s commitment to prioritising its citizen astronauts’ well-being while driving advancements in health sciences.
Moreover, the partnership will facilitate Emirati astronaut training programmes incorporating health-related protocols and emergency preparedness. This training will be vital in equipping the astronauts with the necessary skills to manage health challenges in space effectively.
Salem Humaid Al Marri, Director General of MBRSC, said: “Ensuring the health and safety of our astronauts is our top priority. This agreement with Dubai Health solidifies our commitment to providing optimal healthcare solutions for astronauts throughout their missions.
“By joining forces, we aim not only to elevate the standards of space healthcare but also to push the boundaries of innovation in health sciences.”
Dr Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health, emphasised the collaborative effort’s broader implications: “Emirati astronauts are pivotal in advancing our scientific knowledge and enhancing the UAE’s global standing in space exploration.
“Dubai Health is proud to contribute by offering high-quality healthcare services and supporting astronaut health monitoring during space missions.”
Dr Sharif added: “This partnership aligns with Dubai Health’s strategic goals of promoting healthcare excellence, fostering continuous learning and discovery, and advancing health technologies for the betterment of humanity. By integrating our expertise with MBRSC, we aim to strengthen our nation’s capabilities in both healthcare and space exploration.”
The partnership between MBRSC and Dubai Health marks a significant milestone in the UAE’s journey towards pioneering advancements in space exploration and healthcare.
Featured image: Emirati astronaut and graduate of the MBRSC, Sultan Al Neyadi, organises cables inside the International Space Station’s Harmony module during NASA’s Expedition 69 (March 28-September 27, 2023). Credit: NASA
