The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) has sent food made in the UAE to the International Space Station (ISS).
Food, including Emirati dish chicken saloona, from Al Islami Foods, was sent to the station.
Astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi and his fellow Expedition 69 crew members will now have the opportunity to enjoy the taste of home.
The idea, Al Islami said, was to “provide astronauts with a balanced and nutritional meal that encompasses cherished values passed down through generations, while also ensuring convenience in carrying, storing, and consuming the food in a non-gravitational environment”.
HE Salem Al Marri, director general of MBRSC, said of the momentous occasion: “The introduction of made-in-UAE foods to the ISS signifies a proud moment for our nation, as it showcases the best of Emirati culture, culinary heritage, and entrepreneurial spirit.”
He went on to say how the feat further enriched the meal options available to astronauts and also “serves as a tangible example of how international collaboration can bring diverse cultures together and create meaningful connections in the field of space exploration.”
The selection process for authentic UAE cuisine involved meticulous screening by MBRSC. After reaching out to nearly 20 manufacturers, Al Islami Foods won out, thanks to its “extensive heritage in providing Real Halal food products since 1981 and its expertise in manufacturing quality food over nearly five decades”.
Al Islami Food’s journey began in 1970 when it was known as the Dubai Co-operative Society. Starting as a small grocery shop, the vision of founder Haj Saeed Lootah soon expanded.
The opening of a modern-day supermarket in Karama was followed by the establishment of more stores across Khalid bin Waleed Road, Defense Roundabout, and Satwa. The breakthrough moment arrived in 1979 with the opening of a hypermarket in Mirdif, which became a model for future outlets.
“We are proud to share a piece of the UAE with the global astronaut community and look forward to further expanding our partnership with local manufacturers to extend the range of Emirati foods available on the ISS in the future,” concluded Al Marri.
