Saif receives youngest Nasa aspirant

Nine-year old Dana - who is involved in exciting programmes in the fields of aeronautics and space administration at Nasa - already holds distinguished certificates she acquired for completing ground-based, air-based and naval training courses in space and rocket science, as well as two gold medals for success and excellence.
She presented her spacesuit embroidered with the name of Lt-Gen Shaikh Saif, along with her many medals as a gift to Shaikh Saif, in recognition of his unlimited support to reinforce her early emerging talents.
Lt-Gen Shaikh Saif said: "The UAE takes pride in the achievements of its children, as well as their scientific excellence, which has earned them prestigious international statures in various fields." He also hailed the support of the higher leadership, in order to empower children in the UAE, who are the builders of the future and the hope of the country.
Lt-Gen Shaikh Saif also met with Sulaiman Mohammed Ismail Al Bloushi, who accompanied his two children, his son, Adeeb, and Dana. Adeeb Al Bloushi, who is two years older than her, was named the youngest Emirati inventor and made significant contributions in the field of healthcare despite of his young age. Adeeb followed the path of scientists and focused on scientific inventions to cater to the needs of society.
For his part, Dana's brother and young inventor Adeeb Al Bloushi promised Lt-Gen Shaikh Saif to achieve more excellence in his future plans and to win a Nobel Prize, which is his future goal to further elevate the name of the UAE.
The proud father praised the attention and support shown by Lt-Gen Shaikh Saif and said: "Lt-Gen Shaikh Saif nicknamed the young girl 'Dana of the Emirates', to encourage her to achieve the aspirations of her generation of UAE youth and show excellence in international forums."
It is worth mentioning that Dana looked up to her brother, and followed in his footsteps. Together, they marched into the space training programme, and completed an honorable scientific journey filled with achievements.
Dana comes from a family renowned for its talent, innovation, creativity, and excellence. She received the support and guidance that every child dreams of, to achieve her dreams. She got inspired by the success of her brother, the youngest Emirati inventor, Adeeb Al Bloushi, who is two years older than her, who made significant contributions in the field of healthcare despite of his young age.
Dana underwent advanced practical trainings in space science (live and simulation training); rocket design, programming, and launch. Her rocket design impressed the officials in Huntsville, as well as the space robot (in the field of design, programming and control of robotic mechanisms) at the space camp in the State of Alabama.
Later, at the Space Centre Houston, Dana and her brother Adeeb were awarded a gold medal from the Space College for their excellence; especially in underwater neutral buoyancy training for astronauts and zero-gravity environment training. Dana looks forward to raising the flag of the UAE aloft in all her participations and work, and proving that the children of the UAE are the generation of future builders and are capable of innovation and excellence.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com