Sheikh Hamdan Discusses Future Of UAE Space Sector With Zayed Ambition 2 Mission Team

In a significant meeting at Al Nakheel palace, H H Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in the Al Dhafra Region, engaged with a delegation from the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) and Zayed Ambition 2. The assembly included notable figures such as Sheikh Yas bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, astronaut Dr. Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth, and Dr. Hamdan Musallam Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC). The gathering was further graced by the presence of Ahmed Matar Al Dhaheri, Issa Hamad Bushhab, Emirati astronaut Hazza Al Mansouri, Salem Humaid Al Marri, and Adnan Al Rayes among other officials.

The delegation briefed Sheikh Hamdan on the UAE's ambitious projects in the space sector, outlining future plans and initiatives under the UAE Astronaut Programme. This programme is dedicated to developing a national team of astronauts for human space flight missions. A highlight of the briefing was the discussion on Dr. Sultan AlNeyadi's mission aboard the International Space Station, marking the longest Arab space mission in history. This mission underscored the UAE's global standing in space exploration and its commitment to scientific research and education.

Sheikh Hamdan reviewed the latest training programmes for future space missions and received an overview of future initiatives under the UAE Astronaut Programme. He emphasized that under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE has achieved historic milestones in space exploration. These achievements have not only established the UAE's name internationally but also contributed significantly to humanity's scientific and cultural journey.

His Highness praised the MBRSC team for their dedication and expertise, highlighting the nation's capability to excel globally. He commended the team spirit and collaboration that led to the successful completion of the longest Arab space mission. Sheikh Hamdan extended his best wishes to the team for their future endeavours.

Furthermore, Sheikh Hamdan lauded the Zayed Ambition 2 mission team for setting an inspiring precedent for both the nation and the Arab world's youth. He remarked that this mission symbolises a significant milestone in the UAE’s quest for space exploration, a vision initiated by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Today, this vision has been transformed into reality through advanced scientific strategies and programmes.

At the conclusion of this meeting, H H Sheikh Hamdan was presented with a photograph of the Liwa area taken from space by Dr. Sultan Al Neyadi during his historic mission. Additionally, a photograph featuring His Highness alongside H H Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, taken to the ISS by Hazzaa Al Mansoori during the first Zayed Ambition mission, was also presented.

With inputs from WAM