The United Arab Emirates is set to become a hub for space tourism as early as next year. EOS-X Space, a European space company, is gearing up to launch commercial space flights from Abu Dhabi and Spain in the third quarter of 2025.
Unlike traditional rocket-powered spaceflights, EOS-X Space will use eco-friendly helium balloons to lift pressurized capsules carrying up to eight passengers into the stratosphere. This innovative approach promises a more accessible and comfortable experience for space tourists.
Imagine floating 40,000 meters above Earth, gazing in awe at the breathtaking curvature of our planet and the mesmerizing blue halo. This is the promise of a five-hour space journey offered by EOS-X Space, a stark contrast to the brief, intense experiences of rocket-powered flights.
The best part? You don’t need to be an astronaut to join this celestial adventure. Passengers will undergo a personalized week-long program focusing on wellness, culture, and gastronomy before their flight.
However, this extraordinary experience comes with a hefty price tag. Tickets for this out-of-this-world journey range from Dh600,000 to Dh800,000 per person, catering to a high-net-worth clientele.
EOS-X Space has ambitious plans beyond space tourism. The company is building a massive complex in Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island that will house the spaceport, shuttle, and a luxury hotel. A similar facility is also planned for Tulum, Mexico.
Kharbachi highlighted that while other companies use rockets, which can cost around a million dollars and require extensive training, EOS-X Space offers a more accessible alternative. The company’s flagship facility in Abu Dhabi will feature a spaceport and hotel complex on Yas Island, with another site planned for Tulum, Mexico, expected to be operational by 2026.
Kharbachi believes that the potential market for space tourism includes around 20 million high-net-worth individuals globally. The space tourism market is estimated to exceed $9 billion, and the company projects revenues of $353 million in its launch year, with goals of reaching $1.127 billion by 2029.
With a projected revenue of $353 million in the first year of operation and a growing market estimated at over $9 billion globally, space tourism is undoubtedly a promising industry. As technology advances, the dream of space travel may become more accessible to the masses in the future.
