The UAE is pretty serious about its mission to space. Proof of that is the fact that the country's flag has already made it to the other side.

The nation's flag flew into space on a recent test flight of Virgin Galactic, was brought back, and has now been given as a gift to Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The Emirati flag was handed over to the crown prince by none other than Virgin Galactic's founder Sir Richard Branson.

Branson said the "gift is a tribute to the role played by the United Arab Emirates and its vision and approach to the space sciences," according to Arabian Business.

Virgin Galactic, part of Virgin Group, aims to become the first company to have commercial spacecrafts, including human spaceflights. 

In December 2018, the company achieved a long-awaited milestone when its SpaceShipTwo suborbital vehicle launched to the edge of space. In doing so, it became the first U.S. commercial human flight to reach space since the country's shuttle program ended in 2011.

In 2014, the country officially established a Space Agency, setting an ambitious goal of launching a probe to Mars. 

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, the Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, stated that the country plans to send the first Arab spaceship to Mars by 2021. In 2016, the Gulf state and NASA signed a deal to work together to reach the Red Planet.

By 2117, the country would like to have established the first inhabitable human settlement on Mars.

Many Muslims across the world believe zamzam water, which originates from a well located in Mecca's Masjid Al Haram, has health benefits and can cure terminal illnesses. 

Earlier this week, Saudi scientist Dr. Khawla Al Kuraya - professor of pathology and director of the King Fahad National Center for Children's Cancer and Research - refuted claims that the holy water can help cure cancer. 

During a televised appearance on Rotana Khaleejiya's program "Fil Soura," Al Kuraya was asked to debunk myths related to cancer treatments. 

Responding to one about zamzam water, she said: 

"Spiritual beliefs are important to give patients stability and patience during trying times including when battling illness. But, zamzam water is harmful for cancer patients and interacts with chemo treatments because it's high in salts. It doesn't benefit such patients in any way." 

The scientist added that doctors recommend that patients who believe in the holy water's healing benefits should refrain from consuming it, but can wash their bodies with it.

In previous years, there has been controversy over the safety of the water on one's health, with some investigations revealing it might be harmful. 

However, considering the religious link to the water, discussing its uses from a scientific point of view still sparks heated debates. 

This probably explains why Al Kuraya's statement hasn't been accepted by many Saudis, who launched a scathing attack on the scientist accusing her of "undermining the teachings of Islam."

Not everyone held the same point of view on the matter, though, and defended her stance. 

"Even if all the scientists in the world said Zamzam water isn't beneficial, we won't believe them because we believe in our prophet."

"Incorrect information without scientific backing and the presenter's explanation is stupid. This goes against Saudi people and their culture."

"She didn't say it's harmful, she only said it isn't beneficial and that's from a medical perspective."

"Why are people so shocked by this? When my mother was getting treatment for cancer, her doctors didn't allow her to drink zamzam water or consume honey and holy oils."

"The issue is clear both scientifically and religiously. 

- Zamzam water isn't an alternative and doesn't mean people can forgo medical treatment whether they have cancer or any other illness. 

- Zamzam water isn't harmful except for those who have kidney problems but at the same time, it isn't beneficial except if it is from a spiritual, religious, and psychological perspective."