Emirati astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi has been made a minister in the UAE Cabinet.
The appointment came as Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, released details of a reshuffle on Saturday.
Dr Al Neyadi will serve as Minister of State for Youth, which Sheikh Mohammed said was influenced by public nominations for who should fill the position.
Mariam Almheiri, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, will leave her post to serve as head of the international affairs office at the Presidential Court.
She is succeeded by Dr Amna Al Shamsi, who has quickly moved up the ranks of young government officials to a cabinet post, Sheikh Mohammed said.
Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, takes on an expanded role as Deputy Prime Minister for Finance and Economic Affairs.
In other changes, Mohammed Fadel Al Mazrouei was appointed Minister of State for Defence Affairs. He was previously an undersecretary in the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince's Court and an adviser to the Presidential Court.
Sheikh Mohammed said that "2024 will be a good year... the most beautiful and greatest in the history of the Emirates, Gold willing".
Speaking about Dr Al Neyadi, Sheikh Mohammed added: "All the best to Sultan, he will continue to perform his scientific and space duties in addition to his new responsibilities.
"We tell him that we want our youth to have their feet rooted in their land, their history, and their culture, and their necks in the sky.
Sultan Al Neyadi takes off once more in flight to mark UAE's role in space
"With them, we can compete with nations and be proud of them to the world.
"We are with you in this mission."
Dr Al Neyadi returned from his his six-month mission aboard the International Space Station in September.
Sheikh Mohammed added that Dr Al Neyadi would continue to perform his scientific and space duties in addition to his new responsibilities.
The appointment came after Sheikh Mohammed launched the search for a Youth Minister in September, with young Emiratis encouraged to register their interest in the role.
