United Arab Emirates revealed plans this week that it plans on sending the first Arab unmanned probe to Mars no later than 2021.
A UAE Space Agency will be created to support the project and other space missions, according to the Associated Press.
Once created, it will take nine months for the probe to reach the Red Planet.
Over 20 billion dirhams ($5.44 billion) has been spent on investments in space technologies by the UAE.
Currently the country relies on the Al-Yah Satellite Communications, a satellite data and television broadcast company, Thuraya Satellite Telecommunications, a mobile satellite communication company and Dubai Sat, an Earth-mapping and observation system.
"We chose the epic challenge of reaching Mars because epic challenges inspire us and motivate us," said the UAE vice president and ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, according to the Associated Press.
Today we announce two epic projects in our history: establishing UAE Space Agency and sending the first Arab spaceship to Mars by 2021
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) July 16, 2014
The UAE will become the ninth country in the world with space programs designed to explore Mars.
The agency will run the country's space technology sector and supervise the probe mission.
"The UAE Mars probe represents the Islamic world's entry into the era of space exploration. We will prove that we are capable of delivering new scientific contributions to humanity," added the UAE President.
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