Photo has been used for illustrative purposes.

Inayat-ur-Rahman, Shamila Jamaluddin

Today, a brave Emirati son, astronaut Hazzaa Al Mansoori, will embark on a mission to the International Space Station, marking the country’s burgeoning space sector goals and objectives.

The whole nation is proud and jubilant as the country is marching ahead to add one more jewel to its crown. The decision by the UAE Government to enter the space age reflects the visionary leadership of the country.

Emirati prime astronaut Hazzaa Al Mansoori will represent the UAE in space as the 19th visiting country to the ISS and its 240th visitor. This momentous event will make him the first Emirati in space and the first Arab on the giant floating laboratory.

Bilal Amanullah Moti MRICS, Managing Director, Windmills Group told Gulf Today that after topping the global charts in the oil and gas, aviation, global trade, hospitality, tourism, education, healthcare, financial services, and real estate industries, today the UAE is embarking on the International Space Mission for the very first time, which is another clear representation of a highly developed country.

“The two young Emirati astronauts will travel to space during the said period,” he added.

“Today (September 25, 2019) and October 3, 2019 will be the most memorable days in the history of UAE for its development mission in the space, nature, research and science arenas.”

“In Dutch language we say “Who do not have passion, do not dare.” UAE dares, and that is what makes this country the country of excellence.

“I congratulate Hazzaa Al Mansoori,  Sultan Al Neyadi, Space Mission Team, the general public, and the leadership of the country for embarking on this distinguished learning and development adventure in the space, and wish them success with flying colours.

Dr Habib Ghuloom, Culture Adviser — Abu Dhabi, opines, “We are proud to be the first to reach this level in space mission from this region. This is something to be proud of because this is a project on humanity and about the future, something educative and useful knowledge. “

“Of course this makes us very proud of our nation. We are spending money on a very useful project.

“Space and space knowledge is a very useful subject today and we support this project from the deepest part of our hearts.”

Emirati singer Tariq Al Kindi remarks, “It is my great pleasure that Hazzaa Al Mansoori and colleagues are undertaking this mission, what they are doing is a great achievement for the Middle East and we are very proud of them as our very own UAE national citizens. I’m sure this would open a broader image for us in the UAE regarding its future.