Speakers

H.E. Salem Humaid AlMarri is the Director General of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC). He has over 20 years of experience in the UAE National Space Programme, playing a key role in the development and execution of significant projects at the Centre.

AlMarri has spearheaded the development of the first satellites under the UAE Satellite Programme, while playing a strategic role in shaping the UAE's space exploration programme, including the UAE Astronaut Programme, Emirates Mars Mission and Emirates Lunar Mission.

Before being appointed the Director General of MBRSC, AlMarri held several vital roles, including as Project Manager for DubaiSat-1 and DubaiSat-2, Head of the UAE Astronaut Programme, Assistant Director General for Science and Technology and Deputy Director General at MBRSC.

AlMarri is a member of the prestigious International Academy of Astronautics and has fostered international collaborations for MBRSC with leading space agencies.

AlMarri was honoured with the UAE Pioneers Award in 2014 and the Excellence Award by Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Award. Representing the UAE, he has participated in several international conferences globally and has been a member of the delegation to the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPOUS). His leadership was also pivotal in winning the rights to host the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) 2021 and SpaceOps 2023 in Dubai.

AlMarri attended government schools in Dubai and earned a bachelor’s degree in computer network engineering from the Higher Colleges of Technology Dubai in 2003.