Dubai-based space tourist to launch galactic-themed hotel, hopes to take off soon

Dubai-based space tourist to launch galactic-themed hotel, hopes to take off soon

With British magnate Richard Branson’s company launching the space flights finally, UAE-based space tourist Namira Salim said she will be launched into space before the year-end.

In an interview with Khaleej Times, on Monday, Namira said, “My spaceflight is pretty close. I will fly to space before the end of the year – in a couple of months from now.”

Virgin Galactic, at last, initiated its inaugural journey with three space tourists toward the outer reaches of the universe this month.

The space company's spacecraft, VSS Unity, propelled by rockets, lifted off from a spaceport in New Mexico. The launch was facilitated by a sizable twin-fuselage mothership.

The wait

In 2006, Namira became the inaugural UAE resident to purchase a suborbital flight ticket from Sir Richard Branson’s enterprise, leading to her becoming a pioneer (private) astronaut.

The Dubai resident paid $200,000, which is significantly below half of the current reported cost of $450,000 for a seat on the flight.

“I’m very looking forward to it because my flight is going to be much earlier. It’s the democratisation of space. For me, it’s been quite a journey because my whole life revolves around space. It’s about going to space in the age of commercial space flight. My journey