On the ocassion of Emirati Women’s Day, there’s one name that shines brighter than a Martian sunrise: Sarah Al Amiri. Hailing from the UAE, this dynamo is no ordinary Minister of State for Public Education and Advanced Technology. She’s the driving force behind the historic Emirates Mars Mission, Hope!

Born in 1987, Sarah Al Amiri grew up in Abu Dhabi, with her eyes set on the stars. She studied computer science at the American University of Sharjah, earning both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

But get this – she always dreamt of aerospace engineering, even though the UAE didn’t have a space program back then…

Sarah kicked off her career at the Emirates Institution for Advanced Science and Technology, where she played a vital role in the development of DubaiSat-1 and DubaiSat-2. But her journey into the cosmos didn’t stop there. In 2016, she led the Emirates Scientist Council and chaired the UAE Council for the Fourth Industrial Revolution in 2018. Oh, and did we mention she’s also the Deputy Project Manager of the Emirates Mars Mission?

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Sarah is the science lead behind the groundbreaking Emirates Mars Mission, Hope

Partnered with esteemed institutions like the University of Colorado Boulder, University of California, Berkeley, and Arizona State University, the mission isn’t just a launch to Mars – it’s a leap for humanity’s understanding of the universe.

Sarah’s star power doesn’t stop at the stratosphere. She became the first Emirati to speak at an international TED event, sharing the inspiring story of the Hope Mars Mission. Launched in July 2020 and reaching Mars in February 2021, Hope is not just a spacecraft – it’s a testament to Sarah’s passion and dedication.

Sarah’s achievements have been meteoric!

She’s been honoured by the World Economic Forum as one of its 50 Young Scientists for her contributions to science, technology, and engineering. She’s even found herself on BBC’s 100 Women list and Time 100 Next.

With Sarah’s guidance, the UAE is becoming a global 4IR leader, driving innovation and embracing the future. As the UAE’s Minister of State for Public Education and Advanced Technology, she’s empowering the nation’s shift towards a knowledge-based economy and propelling us into the digital era.

Thanks to @TIME for naming me on their 100 Next list, it's a mark of recognition I accept on behalf of the entire Emirates Mars Mission team, many of whom deserve the accolade a great deal more than I.https://t.co/4Z3phX7C0V

— Sarah Al Amiri (@SarahAmiri1) February 18, 2021

This Emirati Women’s Day, let’s celebrate Sarah Al Amiri – a brilliant mind, a trailblazer, and a true visionary. Her journey to the vastness of space shows us that the sky is not the limit – it’s just the beginning!

So here’s to you, Sarah Al Amiri, for inspiring us all to reach for the stars and reminding us that even the universe is within our grasp.

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