The Arab world’s first astronaut, Hazzaa Al Mansouri, and its first female astronaut, Nora Al Matrooshi, captivated audiences in Berlin by discussing the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the space sector during GITEX Europe. Their participation highlighted the importance of sharing technological advancements with Europe. The event took place at Messe Berlin from May 21 to 23, under the auspices of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) and other Dubai entities.

According to Khaleej Times, Al Mansouri explained their approach, stating, “We are utilising AI and technology and analysing pictures and database that we collected from our satellites to analyse them in helping the community, agencies, sectors in Dubai and the UAE in general.” He emphasized the need to integrate technology, AI, and space, asserting, “We are here to show that we can implement technology, AI and space together and we cannot just separate them apart.”

Al Matrooshi discussed the specific role of astronauts at GITEX, noting, “Our role here as astronauts is to showcase how technology and AI can be utilised to benefit the astronauts and utilise their time properly.” She elaborated that AI could automate tasks like controlling robotic arms, allowing astronauts to focus on more critical activities. Al Matrooshi expressed her hope that MBRSC’s involvement would foster innovation in Europe’s space sector.

Looking toward the future, Al Matrooshi expressed her desire to continue training and learning, saying, “as astronauts, [we] never actually stop training. There are new tools, new equipment that are being invented each and every day, and we, as end users, have to test them out.” She concluded by emphasizing the broader mission of astronauts, stating, “It’s also to show that humanity as a whole, when working together, can achieve great things.”

GITEX, which stands for Gulf Information Technology Exhibition, began in 1981 as an Emirati initiative. It has since expanded into eight other countries, including Germany, Morocco, and Singapore, and is now recognized as one of the world’s largest tech and startup exhibitions.