The UAE's newest astronauts have vowed that the work starts now after they etched their names in the nation's history books on Saturday.
Nora Al Matrooshi, the Arab world's first female astronaut, and Mohammed Al Mulla were selected from more than 4,000 hopefuls to join the UAE's elite astronaut corps.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, said the duo would "raise the name of the UAE in the sky".
In response to Sheikh Mohammed's praise, Ms Al Matrooshi pledged to play her part in the future of the country's growing space programme.
"The nation gave me unforgettable moments today. I aim to work hard to script historical moments and achievements that will be etched forever in the memory of our people," she said on her newly-created Twitter account.
"I thank our wise leadership and the team of the UAE Astronaut Programme. Preparations and work begin now."
Mr Al Mulla, an accomplished pilot, offered gratitude on the momentous occasion in his life.
"What was a dream I worked to achieve has today become a responsibility that I will put all my efforts to meet,' he said on his Twitter account.
"I thank the wise leadership of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for this opportunity.
"[I am] proud to join the UAE Astronaut Programme and get ready for new missions."
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.
It is the latest landmark moment in a memorable year for the space sector.
In February, the Hope Probe made its way into Mars' orbit after a seven-month journey to the Red Planet.
UAE in space:
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The UAE's first astronaut, Maj Hazza Al Mansouri, takes part in a Q&A session from the International Space Station with an audience at the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, Dubai, in 2019. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, talks with Emirati astronaut Maj Hazza Al Mansouri, during a live satellite feed from the International Space Station. Courtesy: Dubai Media Office -
The Emirati astronaut takes questions from the audience gathered at the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
An aspiring young astronaut poses in front of a picture of the first Emirati in space, Maj Hazza Al Mansouri. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
A woman films the Q&A session with Maj Hazza Al Mansouri from the International Space Station. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
The audience at the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre are delighted to hear from Maj Hazza Al Mansouri. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
An aspiring young astronaut and her family at the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre event. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
A young audience member celebrates the first Emirati in space. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid talks to Maj Hazza Al Mansouri. Courtesy Dubai Media Office -
Emirati astronaut Hazza Al Mansouri, during a live satellite feed from the International Space Station. Courtesy Dubai Media Office -
Audience members at the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre event sample space food. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Emirati astronaut Maj Hazza Al Mansouri gives his audience on Earth a tour of the International Space Station. Screengrab via Youtube Live -
Maj Hazza Al Mansouri demonstrates the effects of weightlessness. Screengrab via Youtube Live -
Hazza Al Mansouri takes a live Q&A from space. He spent eight days on the International Space Station, in a mission from September 25 to October 3, 2019. Screengrab via Youtube Live -
Emirati astronaut, Hazza Al Mansouri, takes live Q&A from space and gives a station tour. Screengrab via Youtube Live
