The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is on the cusp of revolutionizing the space tourism sector with its planned launch in the third quarter of 2025. This exciting new venture, driven by the European space firm EOS-X Space, will introduce space flights starting at approximately Rs45.5 million (UAE Dh600,000). The inaugural flights will be conducted from dual locations: Abu Dhabi and Spain.

Kemel Kharbachi, the CEO and founder of EOS-X Space, has announced that their Spaceship One manned capsules are in the final stages of development. These state-of-the-art capsules are designed to carry up to eight passengers, including a pilot, and will be lifted into the stratosphere by environmentally friendly helium balloons. The capsules will ascend to an altitude of 40,000 meters, offering space tourists an extraordinary view of the Earth’s curvature, the blue halo, and the vastness of space during a five-hour journey. This experience stands in contrast to the brief 11-minute flights offered by other space tourism entities such as Blue Origin.

EOS-X Space plans to differentiate itself from its competitors by offering a more inclusive and less physically demanding space travel experience. Unlike other companies that require extensive training and physical preparation, EOS-X Space will provide passengers with a week-long program featuring cultural, gastronomic, wellness, and regenerative medicine activities. This comprehensive package will cost between €150,000 (Dh600,000) and €200,000 (Dh800,000), depending on the selected experience.

The company has grand plans for its facilities, with Abu Dhabi set to host what it describes as the world’s most ambitious space tourism complex. This facility will include a state-of-the-art spaceport, shuttle launch site, and a luxury hotel complex on Yas Island. A similar facility is also planned for Tulum, Mexico, with operations expected to begin by 2026.

Kharbachi highlighted that the target market for these ultra-luxury space tourism experiences comprises high-net-worth individuals. With an estimated 20 million potential customers globally, the company is focusing on those willing to invest between €150,000 and €200,000 for a unique and unparalleled experience.

The space tourism market is projected to surpass $9 billion, underscoring the significant investment opportunities it presents. Kharbachi envisions a future where space tourism becomes as accessible and widespread as commercial aviation, driven by advances in technology and human exploration.

EOS-X Space is projecting substantial financial returns, estimating first-year revenues from the Abu Dhabi and Spain operations to reach $353 million, with a gross profit margin of 19 percent. By 2029, the company aims for a turnover of $1.127 billion and a gross profit of $324 million, reflecting a profit growth rate of 23.3 percent from the previous year. The planned investment for the Abu Dhabi and Seville facilities is expected to exceed $230 million, highlighting the scale of the company’s commitment to this ambitious venture.