By RACHEL TAN
Not content with just
owning Manchester City Football Club, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al-Nahyan has
reportedly agreed to invest USD280 million in Sir Richard Branson’s space travel
project, Virgin Galactic.
The Sheikh’s
investment vehicle, Aabar Invesments, is set to spearhead the partnership where
Aabar will be granted the rights to host Virgin Galactic tourism.
Already,
plans are in motion to develop Abu Dhabi into a hub for science technology and space travel
with USD100 million pumped towards launching satellites into space.
The Sheikh’s
investment is a huge vote of confidence for Sir Richard, whose project has
garnered attention from illustrious personalities such as Stephen Hawking. So far, an
estimated 300 people have reserved seats on the pioneer tourist flight out into space to the tune of USD40
million in deposits.
via Telegraph