The launch of the First Emirati astronaut Hazzaa Al-Mansoori to the International Space Station confirms to the world that the limit to our ambitions are nothing but the sky. The people of UAE, everywhere on the face of earth, take pride of this mission.

This mission confirms the steadfastness of the wise leadership of the UAE and its keenness to move forward in the path set by the late, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, to achieve his vision and dream of UAE reaching the space a reality witnessed by the world.

Emirates Astronaut Program, Launched in April 2017, aims to establish the infrastructure of the UAE space sector.

It’s the first integrated program in the Arab world to prepare national cadres participating in manned space flights to carry out various scientific missions in order to take part with the international scientific community to innovate solutions to many challenges that in turn could help to improve the lives of humans on Earth.

I am convinced that this historic journey will mark a milestone in the path of a thriving space industry in our future.

History will record our space mission in letters of light to be emulated by future generations, not only in the UAE, but in the Arab and Muslim world as a whole.

This mission will be the beginning and will be followed by many missions to come which aim to serve science and humanity as a whole.

This historic journey represents a message to the children of the UAE and our Arab youth, that we are walking with science and knowledge to catch up with others. Ride science, progress and knowledge.

We are convinced that this mission will further enhance the confidence of our children in the capabilities of the country and the firm support of its wise leadership. At the same time it is a message to the world that we will not be lagged behind in the progress of knowledge and advancement.

This mission has strengthened our soft power in the arena and it should be fully utilized in spreading the positive message of UAE around the world, which affirms the UAE’s participation in civilization, science and humanity.

This mission has strengthened our soft power in the arena and it should be fully utilized in spreading the positive message of UAE around the world, which affirms the UAE’s participation in civilization, science and humanity.

His Excellency Omar Abdullah Belfaqeeh

UAE Ambassador to Singapore

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation