Ibrahim Sharaf: First UAE National To Travel To Space

Virgin Galactic announced on Wednesday that Sharaf Group chairman, Ibrahim Sharaf, has signed up for the inaugural Virgin Galactic space flight, which could make him the very first Emirati to hit warp speed.

Established by Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Group, Virgin Galactic, aims to develop space tourism with the eventual goal of making it accessible, and affordable, for almost everyone - something they hope to achieve by the end of the next decade.

Sharaf Travel, announced on Tuesday that they will be the UAE general sales agent for Virgin Galactic. Sharaf is paying $200,000, for the zero-gravity trip which will take place sometime in 2009.

The launch site will likely be in the southwestern United States, with each trip featuring three hours in space.

"I am very excited about going to space with Virgin Galactic, it’s a once in a lifetime experience for me. Today, sub-orbital journeys represent the ultimate travel, if not, life experience," said Sharaf.

"I am confident with the leadership and vision of Sir Richard Branson and the Virgin Group’s commitment to technology, innovation, safety and customer experience, that sub-orbital flights are just a stepping stone for what will come in the future. I’m so privileged to join with many others to be a part of creating space travel history."

Sharaf has visited the North Pole on two separate occasions, and in another of his extreme adventures he took a 24 day journey across Siberia.

On his trip to the final frontier Sharaf will be accompanied by a host of famous faces. First on the list are Sir Richard Branson and his children, Sam and Holly, whilst the other intrepid travelers include, Bryan Singer, Director of Superman returns and actress Victoria Principle.

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Ibrahim Sharaf to be first Emirati in space (Gulf News)