Hazza Al Mansoori says being the first Arab to travel to the International Space Station (ISS) “is a huge responsibility”.
The man who is also set to become the first UAE national in space made the comments at a press conference at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Moscow.
“Twenty days left for the historic launch of the UAE and the Arab world’s trip to the ISS, and I have a lot on my mind today,” said Al Mansoori.
“I’d like to thank our wise leadership for this great opportunity, as well as my parents who supported me to reach where I am today.”
Last month it was revealed that he will carry out 16 different scientific experiments during his time on the ISS.
The rocket carrying him and two other astronauts will launch from Kazakstan at 5:56 pm UAE time on September 25.
Al Mansoori will take around 10 kg worth of UAE-related souvenirs and memorabilia onboard the ISS including pictures of the country's leaders and Ghaf tree seeds.
Fellow Emirati Sultan Al Neyadi, who has also been fully trained over the last few months to be an astronaut, is his back-up.
President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has offered his condolences to His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Umm Al Quwain, on the death of his mother Sheikha Hessa bint Humaid bin Abdul Rahman Al Shamsi.
The UAE’s National Ambulance Service handled 22,903 cases across the country in the first quarter of this year, according to the National Guard Command.
His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Umm Al Qaiwain, received condolences on the passing of his mother, the late Sheikha Hessa bint Hamid bin Abdulrahman Al Shamsi, at the majlis held at Emiri Court.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, received well-wishers on Monday at Zaabil Majlis on the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr.
The Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeals' State Security Chamber has convicted the defendants of the kidnapping and murder of Moldovan-Israeli citizen Zvi Kogan. Three defendants have been sentenced to death, and the fourth to life imprisonment, for the premeditated murder with terrorist intention.
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