And then there were four.
Nora Al Matrooshi, the Arab world’s first female astronaut, and Mohammed Al Mulla were confirmed as the UAE’s newest astronauts in a landmark announcement on Saturday.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, welcomed the pair to an elite club of Emiratis when revealing the news.
They join Hazza Al Mansouri, the first Emirati to journey into space, and Sultan Al Neyadi, who was part of the back-up crew for that momentous mission to the International Space Station in September, 2019.
Life will be transformed for the new members of the UAE’s burgeoning astronaut corps.
For Nora Al Matrooshi, it is a giant leap forward for womankind.
But what do we know about the man and woman chosen from out of more than 4,000 hopefuls?
The National takes a closer look at the nation’s latest standard bearers in the space sector.
Who is Nora Al Matrooshi?
The UAE history-maker is a 27-year-old mechanical engineer who has always dreamt of going to space.
An Abu Dhabi native, she has been working for the capital’s National Petroleum Construction Company for the past few years.
She has a number of achievements to her name, including being the vice president of the Youth Council for three years. She is also a member of the American Association for Mechanical Engineers.
Who is Mohammed Al Mulla?
Mr Al Mulla is a pilot, with more than 1,500 flight hours under his belt. He was born in Dubai in 1988.
Mr Al Mulla works as a pilot at the Air Wing Centre and is also the head of the training department there. His career spans an impressive 15 years.
He holds a commercial pilot’s license, has a bachelor’s degree in law and economics, as well as an executive master’s in public administration from the Mohammed bin Rashid School of Government.
His career achievements include being the youngest pilot in Dubai Police at 19 years of age. He also received a bravery medal from Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai.
UAE continues to make strides in space race:
Emirati astronaut Hazza Al Mansouri takes live Q&A from space and gives a tour of ISS. Screengrab via Youtube Live
Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashid talks with Emirati astronaut, Hazza Al Mansouri, during a live satellite feed from the International Space Station. Courtesy Dubai Media Office
Hazza Al Mansouri answers questions from Emirati students studying in Japan during a live session on Monday. Courtesy Jaxa
Hazza Al Mansouri wears an Emirati kandura on board the International Space Station. Courtesy Dubai Media Office
Hazza Al Mansouri, shortly after arriving back on Earth. MBRSC
One of the pictures Hazza Al Mansouri took while onboard the International Space Station. Courtesy Hazza Al Mansouri
Hazza Al Mansouri having breakfast aboard the International Space Station. The UAE’s first astronaut received the Nasa Distinguished Public Service Medal in recognition of his service. Courtesy: Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, welcomes Hazza Al Mansouri to Abu Dhabi. Wam
Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court, presents a certificate to Astronaut Major Hazza Al Mansouri at Khalifa University Graduation Ceremony at Emirates Palace in 2019. Hamad Al Kaabi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs
UAE astronauts Hazza Al Mansouri and Sultan Al Neyadi tell of their experiences on the UAE space mission during a press conference in Dubai on Tuesday. Pawan Singh / The National
Maj Hazza Al Mansouri with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed. Courtesy: Dubai Media Office
UAE’s first astronaut Hazza Al Mansouri inside the Kibo lab on the International Space Station. Courtesy: Jaxa
Hazza Al Mansouri was the first person from the United Arab Emirates to go into space. National Geographic
Hazza Al Mansouri (left) and Sultan Al Neyadi carried the hopes of a nation as they prepared to venture into space. Courtesy: Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre
Hazza Al Mansouri arrives at the Presidential Terminal at Abu Dhabi International Airport on Saturday. Wam
Hazza Al Mansouri is tended to by ground crews. Nasa / Youtube screengrab
Hazza Al Mansouri posted the image of the Soyuz to his Twitter page.
Updated: April 10, 2021 02:53 PM
