First UAE astronaut to lift-off on September 25

History will be made on September 25 when UAE's first Emirati astronaut will be launched into space for an eight-day mission at the International Space Station.

That's according to Russian media reports, which said the Emirati astronaut will return on October 3.

Shortlisted by the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre from more than 4,000 hopefuls, Hazza Al Mansouri and Sultan Al Nayadi are among the hopefuls who are currently undergoing intensive training in Russia. 

The primary candidate for the mission will be announced next week during a press conference.