Hazzaa in space: It's a moment of pride for the UAE

AlMansoori will orbit the earth around 100 times during the eight-day trip, and will share messages in Arabic about the ISS.

Late night on Wednesday, the Soyuz spacecraft carrying Emirati astronaut, Hazzaa AlMansoori, docked successfully at the International Space Station, ISS. The journey from Baikonur Cosmodrome to ISS was closely followed by the entire world, and is a milestone step in the UAE's efforts to become a leader in the international space sector.
There is joy and pride in the UAE, as well as in other Arab and Islamic countries, to see the Soyuz spacecraft carrying the UAE flag to the space station. The journey is inspired by the experience of the Saudi Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the first Arab astronaut to orbit around earth.
The message tweeted by Hazzaa AlMansoori, which was seen by millions of youth around the world, stated, "A few hours before launch and I'm filled with this indescribable feeling of glory and awe. Today I carry the dreams and ambition of my country to a whole new dimension. May Allah grant me success in this mission."
On Wednesday, September 25, the world saw AlMansoori via a live feed with the 'Zayed Ambition Logo' on his shoulder, and while preparing for his historic journey, and gave the UAE's three-finger salute - symbolising win, victory, and love - highlighting the two-year achievements of the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre.
AlMansoori, who was an F-16 pilot, travelled to space holding the flag of the country of tolerance and achievement, as well as the flag of Russia, in a historic mission adding to the UAE's soft power.
AlMansoori is the first Arab astronaut qualified to work onboard the ISS, where he will conduct a series of scientific experiments, adding to humanity's scientific knowledge, while representing the UAE space sector.
He will also take photos of the earth as part of his mission, which will be a momentous occasion in the UAE's history and will inspire many others.
During a press conference held at the Yuri Gagarin Centre, AlMansoori sent a message to the youth of the world stressing his pride in representing the UAE and the Arab region on the ISS, and affirming his belief that the 'Zayed Ambition' will empower the Emirati youth to achieve their goals and overcome their challenges.
AlMansoori, who will orbit the earth around 100 times during the eight-day trip, will present to the world a visual introductory message in Arabic about the ISS.
The hearts of the UAE's leadership, government and people are with Hazzaa as he makes the country proud.
-WAM
Mohammed Jalal Al Rayssi is Executive Director of the Emirates News Agency, WAM