GEMS International School, Al Khail (GIS) has launched a new Space Lab, officially inaugurated on 4 July by UAE astronauts Nora AlMatrooshi and Mohammad AlMulla from the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, along with Her Excellency Dr. Aisha Miran, Director General of Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).
The cutting-edge facility, part of GEMS Education’s Centre of Excellence for Aviation, Aeronautics, and Space at GIS, is designed to resemble a space capsule on Mars. Its goal is to empower students to become creators of technology and futuristic concepts rather than just consumers.
Simon Herbert, Head of School/CEO, GEMS International School, Al Khail, said, "What an absolute honour to welcome astronauts Ms Nora and Mr Mohammed today, for the opening of our Space Lab. This is an exciting day for GIS, and we thank the GEMS Education leadership for their support in the growth of our facilities. We shall work in partnership with many other schools in Dubai on the integration of aviation, aeronautics, and space as part of a progressive and dynamic curriculum."
"The day was made extra special with the presence of Her Excellency Dr Aisha Miran, Director General of the KHDA, and Dr Saima Rana, Group Chief Education Officer of GEMS Education," added Simon Herbert from GEMS International School, Al Khail.
The GIS Space Lab curriculum covers essential topics such as agriculture on Mars (hydroponics and artificial intelligence), metaverse 3D game design for social interaction, artificial intelligence-powered robotic pets for Mars, driverless Martian transport, do-it-yourself space repairs, robotic arms, wearable haptics, and gesture controls for space work.
With its Space Lab, GIS distinguishes itself as the only school worldwide to offer such a diverse array of design courses, including Product Design, Digital Design, User Interface, Food Design, Fashion Design, STEM Aviation, and now Space Lab.