UAE leaders congratulate Hazzaa on historic space launch

The UAE leaders took to Twitter to congratulate astronaut Hazzaa Al Mansoori for becoming the first Emirati in space.

"The arrival of Hazaa Al Mansouri in space is a message to all Arab youth," wrote His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Over two years ago, my brother Mohammed bin Zayed & I launched the UAE Astronaut Programme. Today, we celebrate the historic flight of the first Emirati Astronaut to the International Space Station. An Emirati achievement we take pride in and dedicate to Muslim & Arab nations. pic.twitter.com/rVQej7IxXW

— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) September 25, 2019

"This event strengthens our confidence in our youth who will take our nation to new heights and reinforces our ambitions for the future," added His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

I proudly watched as Hazza Al Mansouri lifted off into space. This event strengthens our confidence in our youth who will take our nation to new heights and reinforces our ambitions for the future. We pray for Hazza’s success and his safe return home.

— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) September 25, 2019

The Soyuz spacecraft carrying Al Mansoori, NASA astronaut Jessica Meir and Russian commander Oleg Skripochka lifted off from Kazakhstan’s Baikonur Cosmodrome at 5:56 pm UAE time on Wednesday.