'Nation's sons': Dubai Ruler awards UAE astronauts Sultan Al Neyadi, Hazza Al Mansouri on National Day

The leader presented the astronauts with the First Class Space Medal to celebrate their contribution to the advancement of the space sector

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Web Desk

Published: Mon 2 Dec 2024, 10:15 AM

Last updated: Mon 2 Dec 2024, 1:58 PM

Dubai's Ruler on Monday awarded astronauts Sultan Al Neyadi and Hazza Al Mansouri with the First Class Space Medal on the occasion of UAE's National Day celebrations.

Hailing them as the 'nation's sons', Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, took to X to celebrate five Emiratis in the field for contributing to the advancement of the space sector.

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"Under the directives of my brother Mohammed bin Zayed, we awarded astronauts Sultan Al Neyadi and Hazza Al Mansouri the First Class Space Medal," wrote the Ruler, praising the duo for "establishing the UAE’s global position in the field contributing to shaping its future in the advanced scientific sector."

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Dr. Sultan bin Saif AlNeyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, was recognised for his role in the longest space mission in Arab history. He was also honoured for being the first Arab astronaut to conduct a spacewalk and his successful execution of numerous scientific experiments and research projects during his mission.

Major Hazzaa Ali Al Mansoori, a pilot officer at the Ministry of Defence, was recognised for being the first Emirati and Arab astronaut to reach the International Space Station. His participation in 16 scientific experiments relating to the space sector, in collaboration with international partners, was also celebrated.

The award ceremony took place at Zaabeel Palace in Dubai in the presence of Dubai's Ruler and Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council.

The leader also honoured Salem Al Marri, Director General of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, Dr Hanan Al Suwaidi, the first female astronaut doctor in the country, and Adnan Al Rais, Assistant Director General of the Space Sector at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, with the Second Class Space Medal.

Sheikh Mohammed appreciated their efforts in qualifying astronauts and developing space missions in the country.

"We continue to appreciate the efforts of all the sons of the nation in all sectors. We are proud of them. We make the countries proud of them. We are optimistic about generations that see them as inspiring models and follow in their footsteps," said the Ruler.

Sheikh Mohammed also recalled the vital role played by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, and their fellow Founding Fathers in laying the foundation for the UAE’s success in diverse spheres.

Under Federal Law Decree No. (23) on Medals and Decorations, the First-Class Space Medal recognises astronauts who have participated in missions furthering science and research, supporting the nation’s goals in scientific exploration. The Second-Class Space Medal honours space sector professionals who have directly contributed to astronaut training programmes or advanced space exploration through significant scientific research.

Earlier, the Ruler wished the people of UAE a blessed year as the country celebrates its 53rd National Day today.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed also sent a heartfelt hand-written message to the country's expats and citizens to commemorate National Day.

The committee organising the country's National Day celebrations announced last month that the official name for the occasion is now called 'Eid Al Etihad'.

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Web Desk

Published: Mon 2 Dec 2024, 10:15 AM

Last updated: Mon 2 Dec 2024, 1:58 PM

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