The Nation’s Sons Rewarded by Dubai Ruler on Eid Al Etihad
During Eid Al Etihad celebrations, Dubai Ruler has awarded astronauts Sultan Al Neyadi and Hazza Al Mansouri with the First Class Space Medal.
The award ceremony was at Zaabeel Palace in Dubai.
Attended by Sheikh Mohammed and Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Dubai Ruler, referred to the astronauts as the ‘nation’s sons’.
Appreciating their contributions to UAE’s space sector via a post on his x account.
Dubai Ruler, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid wrote on his official X account:
“As part of our National Day celebrations, we celebrated a group of nation’s sons who contributed to the advancement of the space sector.
Establishing the UAE’s global position in this field, and contributing to shaping its future in this advanced scientific sector.
Under the directives of my brother Mohammed bin Zayed, we awarded the First Class Space Medal to astronauts Sultan Al Neyadi and Hazza Al Mansouri.
We also awarded the Second Class Space Medal to:
- Salem Al Marri, Director General of MBRSC
- Dr. Hanan Al Suwaidi, the first female astronaut doctor in the country.
- Adnan Al Rais, Assistant Director General of the Space Sector at MBRSC.
Those awards are to appreciate 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 …
They make the country proud of them.
Also we are optimistic about generations that see them as inspiring models and follow in their footsteps.”
First Class Space Medal Winners
Dr. Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, was recognized for his role in the longest space mission in Arab history.
He was also honored as the first Arab astronaut to conduct a spacewalk.
And also for his successful execution of numerous scientific experiments and research projects during his mission.
Major Hazzaa Ali Al Mansoori is a pilot officer at the Ministry of Defence.
He was celebrated for being the first Emirati and Arab astronaut to reach the ISS.
And also for his participation in 16 scientific experiments related to the space sector in collaboration with international partners.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, “may God protect him”, welcomed the Saudi Crown Prince to the UAE during the meeting that took place at Al Rawda Palace in Al Ain, and they exchanged friendly talks that express the depth of the solid… pic.twitter.com/XcfP1RDk71
— UAE Voice (@uae_voiceeng) December 2, 2024
Second Class Space Medal Winners
The Second Class Space Medal went to Salem Al Marri, Dr. Hanan Al Suwaidi, and Adnan Al Rais.
Due to their efforts in training astronauts and developing space missions in the country.
He also remembered the critical roles of the late Sheikhs “Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan” and “Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum”.
Alongside their fellow Founding Fathers, in laying the foundation for the UAE’s diverse successes.
Earlier, Dubai Ruler “Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid” wished the people of the UAE a blessed year as the country celebrated its 53rd National Day.
UAE President “Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed” also sent a heartfelt handwritten message to the UAE’s people.
