Nora AlMatrooshi
Pioneering Emirati Astronaut and Inspiration for Women all over the World
- First Arab Woman Astronaut: In 2024, Nora AlMatrooshi became the first Arab woman to graduate from NASA’s astronaut program, marking a historic milestone for the UAE and the Arab world.
- Mechanical Engineering Expertise: She holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the United Arab Emirates University and is a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
- Youth Leadership: As Vice President of the Youth Council at the National Petroleum Construction Company, she championed talent and innovation among young professionals.
- STEM Achievements: She placed first in the UAE in the 2011 International Mathematical Olympiad, highlighting her strong analytical skills.
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Nora AlMatrooshi's 2025 biography
Nora AlMatrooshi: Early Life and Education
Born in 1993 in the Emirate of Sharjah, UAE, Nora AlMatrooshi exhibited a passion for space from a young age. She earned her bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the United Arab Emirates University, further enhancing her technical expertise with a semester at Vaasa University of Applied Sciences in Finland.
Professional Career
AlMatrooshi began her career as a piping engineer at the National Petroleum Construction Company (NPCC), contributing to significant projects for ADNOC and Saudi Aramco. Her leadership skills were recognized through her election as Vice President of the Youth Council at NPCC for three consecutive terms, where she implemented initiatives to empower young professionals.
Astronaut Selection and Training
In 2021, Nora AlMatrooshi was selected from over 4,000 applicants as part of the second batch of the UAE Astronaut Programme, becoming the first female Arab and Emirati astronaut. She underwent rigorous training at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, mastering skills such as spacewalking, robotics, International Space Station systems, and piloting the T-38 jet. In 2024, she graduated from NASA’s Astronaut Candidate Class, earning her astronaut pin and qualifying for future space missions.
Vision and Future Endeavors
AlMatrooshi is committed to advancing the UAE’s space exploration efforts and inspiring future generations. She aims to contribute to humanity’s return to the Moon and further deep-space exploration, aligning with the UAE’s forward-looking vision in the global space sector.
In 2024, she was scheduled to embark on a space mission, marking a historic milestone as the UAE’s first female astronaut to do so. Her journey represents a significant step in the region’s growing presence in space exploration and serves as an inspiration for aspiring astronauts across the Arab world.
Speaking Engagements
Nora AlMatrooshi actively participates in discussions and events highlighting space exploration, engineering, and youth empowerment. As the first female Arab astronaut, she serves as an inspiration to aspiring astronauts and engineers, particularly women in the Arab world.