The astronaut pin received by Mohammad Al Mulla in 2024 marked the formal conclusion of his two-year training tenure with the NASA Astronaut Candidate Class. Selected from an initial pool of over 4,000 applicants, he represents the second batch of the UAE Astronaut Programme, positioning him as a qualified candidate for future orbital and lunar exploration missions.
Early Career and Aviation Records
Born in Dubai in 1988, Al Mulla established his career trajectory in aviation well before transitioning to space exploration. By age 19, he secured a commercial pilot’s license from the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority, becoming the youngest pilot in the Dubai Police. He expanded his expertise by age 28, obtaining a pilot trainer license from the same authority and serving as the youngest trainer within the organization. Over a professional tenure exceeding 15 years, he held the position of Head of the Training Department at the Dubai Police Air Wing Centre.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Academic Background
Al Mulla complemented his operational experience with formal education. He earned a Bachelor's Degree in Law and Economics in 2015. He subsequently completed an Executive Master's of Public Administration at the Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government in 2021, providing a foundation in management and public sector operations.
Astronaut Candidate Training
In 2022, Al Mulla began his training at the Johnson Space Center in Houston alongside the 2021 NASA Astronaut Candidate Class. The curriculum spanned two years, encompassing operations on the International Space Station, robotics, and spacewalking simulations at the Neutral Buoyancy Lab. Additional components included piloting the T-38 jet and Russian language instruction. He performed advanced exercises at Fort Novosel in Alabama and studied Earth geology. Beyond NASA, he participated in the ESA CAVES 2025 course in the Matese mountains of Italy in September 2025.
Recognitions
His service in the police and aviation sectors earned him multiple honors, including the Bravery Medal awarded by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Other accolades include the Dubai Police Global Excellence Award and the Commander in Chief Award for Best Officer in a Specialised Field.
Fast facts
- Born: 1988, Dubai
- Citizenship: United Arab Emirates
- Professional debut: Dubai Police Air Wing
- Astronaut qualification: 2024
- Academic qualification: Executive Master's of Public Administration, 2021
- NASA Training Center: Johnson Space Center
- Specialized Course: ESA CAVES 2025
Questions readers ask
What is Mohammad Al Mulla's primary goal in the UAE Astronaut Programme?
He aspires to participate in the first Emirati team to explore the Moon and aims to contribute to future astronaut training.
Which organization managed his selection process?
The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre managed the UAE Astronaut Programme, which operates under the National Space Programme.
Achievements
- Recorded as astronaut
