Umm Al Quwain [UAE], November 9: H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mu'alla, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Umm Al Qaiwain, today received astronauts Sultan AlNeyadi, HazzaaAlMansoori and the UAE Mission 2 team from the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) led by Salem HumaidAlMarri, Director-General of Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC).
During the meeting, which was held at the Emiri Court, with the attendance of H.H. Sheikh Rashid bin Saud bin Rashid Al Mu'alla, Crown Prince of Umm Al Qaiwain, Sheikh Saud welcome the delegation from MBRSC and congratulated the team on the successful completion of the longest Arab space mission in history, that was undertaken by AlNeyadi.
Sheikh Saud also underscored the vision set forth by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in creating a generation that is innovative, knowledgeable, and deeply rooted in the traditional values of the UAE.
H.H. Sheikh Saud affirmed that the true wealth of the nation lies in its people, whose development is the cornerstone of the country's progress and congratulated the astronauts on bringing to fruition Zayed's Ambition through the scientific endeavour.
In a gesture of respect and gratitude, AlNeyadi presented Sheikh Saud with the flag of the UAE that he carried to the International Space Station (ISS).
During the meeting, Sheikh Saud was briefed by AlNeyadi about the research experiments and studies he conducted in collaboration with international space agencies and entities. He also discussed his experience conducing the first Arab spacewalk, which lasted 7 hours and 1 minute.
AlMansoori also shared his experience as the first Arab increment lead for the mission, during which he supported AlNeyadi and his fellow crew members in coordinating experiments, daily tasks and other activities on the ISS from the Mission Control Center in Houston.
Salem AlMarri, Director-General of MBRSC, provided details about MBRSC's key initiatives and projects, along with an overview of the UAE Astronaut Programme, while highlighting the future missions of the programme.
He said, "We are grateful to H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mu'alla for his gracious reception of the MBRSC team. The historic milestone achieved through the longest Arab space mission exemplifies the UAE National Space Programme's stride towards unprecedented success. Guided by the vision and ambition of our leadership, we will continue to break new ground and set strategic directions for the future of space science and innovation."
For his part, Hamad ObaidAlMansoori, Chairman of MBRSC, said, "We are deeply honoured by H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mu'alla and H.H. Sheikh Rashid bin Saud bin Rashid Al Mu'alla for their steadfast support and acknowledgment of our historic space mission. The longest Arab space mission is a significant milestone in the UAE's space exploration journey and underlines our commitment to the leadership's vision of fostering innovation and scientific knowledge. Our endeavours in space are a testament to the nation's investment in its people and our pursuit to fulfil the late Sheikh Zayed's vision through scientific excellence."
Source: Emirates News Agency