
Mars Science City is planned for the desert outside Dubai, intended as a space to develop technology to colonize Mars.

Architects Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) have designed a prototype of a city for humans to live on Mars, and then adapted the design for the Emirati desert.

The design is made up of biodomes, each covered with a transparent polyethylene membrane.

On Mars, buildings would be 3D printed under the domes, using Martian soil. On Earth, desert sand could be used instead.

The design features water-filled skylights, which on Mars would shield residents from radiation, while allowing light to enter the rooms.

BIG's design for the Earth-bound Science City sets aside areas for research into living on Mars, including growing food there.

It also includes an exhibition space.

Dubai's Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) is behind the initiative. It says Mars Science City is still in the concept stage, and that it hasn't yet settled on a design or architect for the final build.

The MBRSC is launching a Mars probe (pictured) this summer, which will reach the Red Planet in February 2021.

The launch is planned to fall during the biennial window when Earth and Mars are closest together, starting in July 2020 and going into early August.

In 2019, Major Hazzaa AlMansoori became the first Emirati in space and the first Arab astronaut to travel to the International Space Station.