Mohammed bin Rashid honours 5 Emiratis for outstanding contributions to the UAE’s space sector

emirates7 - Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and as part of the celebrations for the UAE's 53rd National Day (Eid Al Etihad), His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, recognized five Emiratis for their outstanding contributions to the UAE’s space sector. In a ceremony at Zaabeel Palace in Dubai, attended by several high-ranking dignitaries, the Space Medals were awarded to honor their achievements in advancing the nation's space ambitions.

Among those present were His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai; H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai; and H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai. Also in attendance were H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Emirates Group, and H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, along with senior officials and dignitaries.

Sheikh Mohammed praised the unwavering support of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in fostering the development of the UAE's space sector. He highlighted how this support, coupled with advanced resources, has enabled a skilled workforce to propel the nation to new heights in space exploration. He also reflected on the visionary leadership of the UAE’s Founding Fathers, including the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, whose groundwork has helped position the UAE as a global leader in space and innovation.

Sheikh Mohammed commended the astronauts and professionals driving the nation’s space program, acknowledging their dedication to achieving the UAE’s ambitious space goals. Their work, he noted, not only elevates the UAE’s position in space exploration but also sets a foundation for future generations to excel in science and innovation.

Dr. Sultan bin Saif AlNeyadi received the First-Class Space Medal for his historic six-month mission on the International Space Station, becoming the first Arab astronaut to conduct a spacewalk and undertaking numerous scientific experiments, Major Hazzaa Ali Al Mansoori was also awarded the First-Class Space Medal for being the first Emirati and Arab astronaut to reach the International Space Station, where he conducted 16 collaborative scientific experiments, Salem Humaid AlMarri, Director General of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), received the Second-Class Space Medal for his leadership in launching the UAE astronaut program and overseeing the "Zayed Ambition 1" mission, Dr. Hanan Sulaiman Al Suwaidi, Assistant Professor at Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, was awarded the Second-Class Space Medal for her role as the UAE’s first specialist in astronaut healthcare, ensuring the health and safety of astronauts during space missions, and Engineer Adnan Al-Rais, Assistant Director General of Space Operations and Exploration at MBRSC, was honored with the Second-Class Space Medal for his significant contributions to astronaut training and his work on the "Zayed Ambition 2" mission.

The awards, presented under Federal Law Decree No. (23) on Medals and Decorations, celebrate individuals whose work has furthered the UAE's objectives in space science, exploration, and research. The ceremony concluded with group photos of Sheikh Mohammed and the honorees, who expressed their gratitude and reaffirmed their commitment to contributing to the UAE’s global achievements.