Nora Al Matrooshi was announced as one of the UAE’s next two astronauts, thus making her the first female astronaut in the Arab world.
The 28-year-old was chosen from over 4,000 applicants and will begin training with the NASA astronaut program as stated by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice president of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Al Matrooshi holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from United Arab Emirates University and is a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.