On a quiet night in the desert of Unaizah, Saudi Arabia, a young girl stood beside her mother and looked up at the sky. The stars stretched endlessly above her, glowing in the silence of the night. In that moment, something changed inside her. She did not just admire the stars. She wanted to understand them. That night planted a dream that would shape the rest of her life.
That young girl was Mishaal Ashemimry. Today, she is one of the most influential voices shaping the future of space in the Middle East. Her journey from a childhood moment of wonder to global space leadership is a story of curiosity, struggle, resilience, and purpose.
A Childhood Dream That Never Left
Mishaal Ashemimry’s fascination with space began early. While many childhood dreams fade with time, hers only grew stronger. She started asking questions about the universe, about stars, planets, and the science that held them together. Her curiosity became a constant companion.
As she grew older, Mishaal Ashemimry realized that understanding space would require more than imagination. She would need to build the tools that could take humans closer to the stars. Aerospace engineering became the perfect path, combining creativity with physics and real world problem solving.
At the time, this was an unusual dream for a young girl in Saudi Arabia. There were few examples to follow and no clear roadmap. But Mishaal Ashemimry believed that if a path did not exist, it could be created with patience and persistence.
Choosing the Hardest Road
Mishaal Ashemimry’s journey took her far from home to study aerospace engineering in the United States. Entering a male dominated field came with challenges. In classrooms and labs, she often had to prove herself repeatedly. She faced doubt, pressure, and moments of loneliness.
Yet each obstacle strengthened her resolve. She reminded herself of the desert night that started it all and the promise she made to herself. Her dedication led her to work on research projects funded by NASA, where she gained experience in advanced aerospace technologies and real world applications.
These years shaped her not only as an engineer, but also as a person who learned to stand firm in uncertainty and keep moving forward.
Becoming a Pioneer in the Gulf Region
Mishaal Ashemimry did not plan to make history, but she did. She became the first female aerospace engineer in the Gulf region, a milestone that arrived quietly but carried great meaning.
With that recognition came responsibility. Mishaal Ashemimry understood that visibility could open doors for others. She began using her platform to encourage young people, especially women, to see themselves in science and engineering.
She stepped into public engagement, education, and media, explaining space in simple ways and showing that careers in science were possible for anyone willing to learn and persist.
Building a Rocket at 26
At the age of 26, Mishaal Ashemimry founded her own rocket company. It was a bold decision made in a region where private space ventures were still rare. Her goal was clear. She wanted to design and build a rocket from scratch.
The team succeeded technically. The rocket was built and tested, proving that local talent and ambition could reach global standards. However, the business side of the venture faced challenges. Long term investment did not come, and the company eventually closed.
For Mishaal Ashemimry, this experience was painful but deeply educational. It taught her that success is not always immediate and that failure often carries the most important lessons.
Learning from Setbacks and Growing Stronger
Instead of stepping away from space, Mishaal Ashemimry used the experience to grow. She reflected on what worked, what did not, and what the future required. She learned that failure is not the end of the journey, but a necessary part of it.
As she often says, “failure is the seed from which success grows.”
This mindset became a core part of her philosophy. She believes that resilience, preparation, and clarity are essential for anyone chasing big dreams. Each setback strengthened her ability to build something notice more sustainable and impactful.
Shaping the Future of Space
Today, Mishaal Ashemimry serves as the Managing Director of the Center for Space Futures, a collaboration between the Saudi Space Agency and the World Economic Forum. Through this global platform, she works at the intersection of policy, innovation, and international cooperation to advance the growth of the space economy.
The center brings together leaders from government, industry, and research to shape strategies, technologies, and partnerships that will define the next era of space exploration. Her work focuses on building systems that last. She believes that real progress comes from long term thinking and collaboration across sectors.
Through this role, Mishaal Ashemimry is helping countries move from ambition to capability.
Inspiring Through Media and Education
Alongside her leadership role, Mishaal Ashemimry remains active in media, education, and public engagement. She uses digital platforms to make space science accessible and relatable, especially for young people who may not see themselves represented in the field.
Her goal is not only to inspire dreams, but also to show clear pathways to achieve them. She wants future generations to inherit real opportunities, not just hope.
A Life Guided by Purpose
Mishaal Ashemimry’s lifestyle is built on discipline, curiosity, and service. Her days are filled with research, meetings, teaching, and storytelling, but her mission remains steady. She wants to make space exploration more inclusive and more common.
If she could speak to her younger self, she would offer simple advice. Hold onto curiosity, trust your instincts, and stay patient through uncertainty. She believes that big dreams demand preparation, persistence, and courage.
A Legacy Beyond Titles
When Mishaal Ashemimry thinks about how she wants to be remembered, she does not focus on being first or different. She hopes to be remembered as someone who strengthened the foundations of the space industry and helped widen participation in it.
Her story reminds us that the sky is not the limit. It is the beginning of what is possible when wonder meets action and courage meets persistence.
Do follow her on Instagram
Read Next – Chatbots and Virtual Assistants in UAE Businesses
