Abu Dhabi - A robot named after Hazzaa was seen spreading messages of tolerance at an event in Abu Dhabi.
Published: Sat 12 Oct 2019, 3:00 PM
Updated: Sun 13 Oct 2019, 4:25 PM
The UAE's first astronaut Hazzaa AlMansoori is a new symbol of hope and change in the UAE. With his historic space mission, the 35-year-old Emirati has infused a shot of self-belief into residents, especially students, and even a robot.
The euphoric mania is such that the robot named after Hazzaa was seen spreading messages of tolerance at an event in Abu Dhabi. Hazzaa the robot was the centre of attraction at the Zayed House for Islamic Culture's tolerance forum called 'role of tolerance in community cohesion'. When asked about his name and other details, the robot said: "I'm Hazzaa. I am from Abu Dhabi, the capital of tolerance. I am here to introduce the million covenant initiative."
Bansan Thomas from the robotics division of Dubai-based Unique World Education, who got the robot to the event, said astronaut Hazzaa will "spur a revolution" across all sectors and not just the UAE space industry. "Everyone wants to replicate Hazzaa's achievements in their own ways and fields. We only felt apt to name him (the robot) Hazzaa to further spread the word on tolerance, love and peace. Hazzaa will be the face of change in the UAE."
Students want space courses
With his successful spaceflight, Hazzaa has inspired students across the country to take up subjects related to astronomy, space science and technology.
"My college has programmes in information technology, business administration, Islamic banking, mass communication and more, but nothing to do with space sciences. Now that there is a great deal of interest in astronomy, I would urge my college to introduce new courses so that the UAE can achieve more success in the space sector," said Duha Al Abbassi, senior student affairs officer.
Abu Dhabi-based students Fatma Said, Hdeer Sayed and Aya El Saadi do majors in different subjects, but have a new-found interest in astrophysics and space exploration. "Hazzaa is a new topic of discussion for all of us. We feel proud of what Hazzaa has achieved. It reflects the country's aspirations. We see more students taking up subjects on space," said Fatma.
Bethelhem Alemayehu, Zainab Al Salami and Darshna Suresh said Hazzaa is their new role model. "He has shown the world that nothing is impossible. If we dream big, we can do anything. Hazzaa is a great inspiration," Darshna said.
All students Khaleej Times spoke to expressed hope that Hazzaa would be able to visit their institutions, "which will result in new generation of leaders".
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com
Ashwani Kumar
Ashwani Kumar is a versatile journalist who explores every beat in Abu Dhabi with an insatiable curiosity. He loves uncovering stories that are informative and help readers form their own opinions.
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