How the UAE's rocks and soil could become a vital resource for the space race

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is poised to become a crucial source of rocks and soil for space exploration, according to a recent discovery. Researchers from Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi have identified geology in the Hajar Mountains that is suitable for testing rovers and drilling equipment used in space missions. Professor Kosmas Pavlopoulos, the lead researcher, stated that the results are "exceptionally promising" as the areas have "elevated levels" of the required minerals and are "located conveniently near existing transport and processing infrastructure."

The identified zones span across Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Ajman, and Dubai. Simulants made from these rocks and soil samples could aid in testing mission hardware and discovering methods to extract oxygen or build materials using lunar or Martian materials. Given the rarity of actual lunar and Martian samples, these simulants are vital for space exploration, as only a small amount of material has been collected from the Moon, and none from Mars.

The UAE's strategic advantage lies in its access to a wide variety of simulants, as different parts of the Moon, such as its lighter highland areas and darker volcanic plains, require distinct simulants. Establishing local sources of simulants would mark a significant strategic breakthrough for the UAE's space ecosystem, offering continuous, large-scale access for research teams working on programs like the Emirates Lunar Mission and the Emirates Mars Mission.

Local simulant production would reduce delays in securing supplies, lessen dependence on foreign suppliers, and provide affordable bulk materials for universities in the UAE to develop advanced testing facilities and rover testing areas. This development could also position the UAE as a key international exporter and regional hub for planetary simulants, catering to the growing international demand as space activities expand exponentially.