Hazzaa Al Mansouri, the UAE's first astronaut, has returned back to the UAE after spending eight days in space on the International Space Station, and was welcomed on his arrival by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
Accompanying Hazzaa Al Mansouri, on his return was Sultan Al Neyadi, the UAE’s back up astronaut, as they landed at Abu Dhabi International Airport’s Presidential Terminal, on a specially arranged presidential flight that brought them back from Russia.
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region, and His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, welcomed the two astronauts on their arrival. Hazzaa Al Mansouri and Sultan Al Neyadi were also greeted by an Emirati troupe dancing the traditional ayala before walking under a sign bearing their picture and the words “Welcome Home, Pride Of The Nation”. Inside the airport, a large number of Sheikhs and senior officials welcomed the astronauts along with a high number of excited schoolchildren who were applauding and waving flags.
Congratulating the astronauts on their return to the UAE His Highness Sheikh Mohamed said "You both are role models for the type of youth we are betting on in our steady march on the path of progress. You're a model to be emulated by those Arab young people sincerely working for the advancement of their nations.” His Highness Sheikh Mohamed continued, "When the UAE launched its space programme, our determination was, and still, to carry it out by Emirati hands and minds. And therefore I have been determinedly working for grooming qualified national cadres willing and ready to explore the space and get well-versed with its sciences, being an integral part of our drive toward achieving sustainable development and building a knowledge-based economy. The UAE, since the era of the nation's Founder late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, has always been considering its people as its true wealth. Our investment in our most cherished assets are the ideal investment for our present and future."
Both astronauts expressed their thanks to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed for the gesture of receiving them at the airport, saying it was an honour to be supported and encouraged by the country's leadership. His Highness Sheikh Mohamed also gave Al Mansouri a folded UAE flag as a gift and the UAE Air Force's aerobatic display team, Al Fursan, performed a fly pass, decorating the sky inthe colours of the UAE flag.
Image Credit: WAM