Arab Health to Send Emirati Students to NASA

News Desk -

Share

Arab Health, the Middle East’s largest healthcare event, has announced an exciting new partnership with the Astronaut Al Worden Endeavour Scholarship. This collaboration will provide five Emirati students with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: a 10-day mission to the U.S. culminating in a week-long immersive experience at NASA’s U.S. Space Camp and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama.

The scholarship, named after Apollo 15 astronaut Al Worden, is designed for students passionate about space, science, and exploration. It offers an immersive learning experience aimed at equipping them with hands-on skills in a global, cutting-edge environment.

At the heart of this partnership is Kallman Worldwide, organizer of the USA Partnership Pavilion at Arab Health 2025. With over 200 companies from the U.S. healthcare sector participating, Kallman Worldwide has been a longstanding presence at the event since 1995.

Sally Thompson, Group Event Director of Informa Markets, expressed her excitement: “Arab Health has been showcasing healthcare innovations for 50 years. This partnership empowers the next generation of UAE innovators by blending space exploration with healthcare advancements, setting the stage for future breakthroughs.”

The theme of this year’s scholarship, “Health Sciences and Space Exploration: Pioneering Together for Humanity,” aligns with the UAE’s bold ambitions in both sectors, reflecting the country’s vision for the next 50 years.

The scholarship offers a two-part experience: an introduction to aviation and aerospace industries in Washington, D.C., followed by a week at NASA’s U.S. Space Camp and Rocket Center. Students will attend the Advanced Space Academy and engage in astronaut training, engineering challenges, and team-building activities, culminating in a simulated space mission. Legendary mentors, including Brigadier General Charlie Duke (Apollo 16 astronaut) and Colonel Mike Bloomfield (NASA Shuttle Pilot), will guide the students.

Tom Kallman, President and CEO of Kallman Worldwide, shared: “We are honored to present the Astronaut Al Worden Endeavour Scholarship at Arab Health for the first time. With industries facing a skills gap, promoting careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) is crucial, and we’re proud to support this inspiring journey from the UAE to NASA.”

Emirati students aged 16-18 were invited to enter the competition by submitting a three-minute video on the theme, exploring the intersection of space and medicine. The winners will be announced on January 29, during the Endeavour Scholarship Award Ceremony at Arab Health 2025. Key guests of honor will include H.E. Salem Humaid Al Marri, Director General of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, and U.S. Ambassador to the UAE, Martina Strong.

The competition is supported by sponsors such as AmCham Dubai, Kallman Foundation, Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, and the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, Home of Space Camp.

Arab Health 2025 will also host the Future Health Summit and introduce the Eco-sphere, a dynamic health and well-being area through the World of Wellness conference and Healthcare ESG Forum.

The event is backed by key government entities, including the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention, Dubai Health Authority, and Dubai Healthcare City Authority.