The UAE’s first ever Astronaut Programme was launched on Wednesday by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE's Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, as the country plans to send four Emirati astronauts into space.

Sheikh Mohammed tweeted: "On this day, a new chapter in our history begins with the launch of the first UAE Astronaut Programme, dedicated to sending four Emirati Astronauts into space.”

On this day, a new chapter in our history begins with the launch of the first UAE Astronaut Programme, dedicated to sending four Emirati Astronauts into space. The people of the UAE will break new barriers; nothing can stand in the way of those who believe nothing is impossible. pic.twitter.com/m3gdFb9U5m

— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) December 6, 2017

Sheikh Mohammed urged young Emiratis to register, by saying in a second teet: "Our ambitious goals are fuelled by dedicated people ... I invite young Emiratis to register for the UAE Astronaut Programme.”

Our ambitious goals are fuelled by dedicated people, who support us until, without hesitation or scepticism, we succeed. I invite young Emiratis to register for the UAE Astronaut Programme through the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre at https://t.co/h6ADrtR0Hs pic.twitter.com/8ltUjOmOI7

— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) December 6, 2017

The most competitive applicants will be selected to be ambassadors for the UAE in space exploration, Sheikh Mohammed said.

The most competitive applicants will be selected to be ambassadors for the UAE in space exploration. However, every single Emirati will contribute in his or her own way to the future of the UAE, whether it’s on land, or in the skies.

— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) December 6, 2017

The UAE Space Programme aims to reach Mars in 2021 and build the first settlement on the Red Planet by 2117.