The United Arab Emirates (UAE) have announced they plan to send an unmanned spacecraft to Mars in the year 2021.

According to Emirates247.com, UAE will establish a new space agency to manage their first space mission to another planet. 2021 will mark the UAE's 50th anniversary and the mission to Mars will make them the ninth country to venture to the Red Planet.

"The UAE Mars probe represents the Islamic world's entry into the era of space exploration. We will prove that we are capable of delivering new scientific contributions to humanity," UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan said in a statement. "The UAE's purpose is to build Emirati technical and intellectual capabilities in the fields of aerospace and space exploration and to enter the space industry and to make use of space technology in a way that enhances the country's development plans.

"We aim for the UAE to be among the top countries in the field of aerospace by 2021. We have a great belief in Allah and in the talents of our young people. We have the strongest determination, the greatest ambitions, and a clear plan to reach our targets."

UAE Prime Minister, Vice President and Ruler in Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said the upcoming mission to Mars will be bigger than any conflict in the Middle East.

"Despite all the tensions and the conflicts across the Middle East, we have proved today how positive a contribution the Arab people can make to humanity through great achievements, given the right circumstances and ingredients. Our region is a region of civilization. Our destiny is, once again, to explore, to create, to build and to civilize," he said in the statement. "We chose the epic challenge of reaching Mars because epic challenges inspire us and motivate us. The moment we stop taking on such challenges is the moment we stop moving forward."

Reuters reported the UAE will soon diversify its economy to better emulate countries that have already ventured into space. Thanks their lucrative oil industry, the UAE can also afford to bring in outside experts for their space agency.