Dubai resident shortlisted from more than 200,000 people for Mars One mission

The race is on to become the first person to go to Mars – and Khalid Al Jaaidi is well and truly on the starting line.

The 21-year-old designer has been shortlisted along with 1,058 applicants for the Mars One mission. More than 200,000 people applied for the chance to be part of Earth’s first colony on another planet, and Khalid feels he was picked for his natural ability to adapt to different situations.
“I want to be part of this because it is the most interesting thing to happen to humankind since the moon landing,” said Khalid, who was born and brought up in Dubai. “It’s going to be very challenging and exciting.
“Many people don’t think it’s possible, but I think the programme has a very strong committee board and a good plan. I’ve put my trust in them.”
Khalid has a degree in visual communications, but he says the most important thing is having the right mindset.
“It is all about how resilient, creative, and determined you are. There are going to be good times and hard times, and you have to be ready to deal with the hard times.”
Since applying to the programme, Khalid has been trying to absorb as much information as he can about his potential future home.