President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with Emirati students studying at universities in the US, and Emirati astronauts Nora Al Matrooshi and Mohammad Al Mulla who recently graduated from NASA’s astronaut training programme. The meeting took place as part of His Highness’ official visit to the United States.

During a reception held at the UAE Embassy in Washington, His Highness noted that he is always happy to meet with young Emiratis studying at leading institutions around the world. He enquired about the students’ wellbeing and progress, learned about their fields of specialisation, and emphasised the leadership’s commitment to providing all necessary support to ensure their academic success.

His Highness reiterated that the youth of the UAE are its real wealth, and that investment in young people today is the best way to shape the country’s future. The UAE, he explained, is embarking on a new phase of development that will require the next generation to be well qualified and capable of assuming responsibility.

The UAE President encouraged the students to stay determined and devote their best efforts to acquiring knowledge, focusing on fields that align with the nation’s development vision and ensuring they return home with the expertise and skills needed to benefit both themselves and their country.

His Highness urged the students to hold on to their identity and values while actively engaging in the pursuit of new skills and expertise. He also encouraged them to learn about the culture, values and traditions of the society in which they are studying, so they can become a bridge between both cultures.

His Highness expressed pride in the Emiratis who have brought honour to the UAE and the Arab world in the field of space exploration, affirming that the involvement of UAE youth in space demonstrates their ability to succeed in any field and their determination to acquire knowledge, particularly in advanced sciences.

His Highness also noted that the UAE has significant ambitions in space exploration and is working towards building a strong base of experts in this field. The role of Emirati astronauts, such as Mohammad Al Mulla and Nora Al Matrooshi, as well as their predecessors Hazza Al Mansouri and Sultan Al Neyadi, is crucial in building this foundation by passing on their knowledge and experience to their colleagues in the UAE space programme.

His Highness wished the students and astronauts continued success in contributing to the UAE’s development journey.

The Emirati students expressed their happiness at meeting with His Highness and their gratitude for his interest in their wellbeing and the support provided by the UAE. They pledged to work hard to meet His Highness’ expectations.

Emirati astronauts Mohammad Al Mulla and Nora Al Matrooshi expressed their pride in meeting His Highness, reaffirming their determination to continue advancing the UAE’s name in space exploration as a way of showing their gratitude for the nation’s support.

Attendees of the meeting included H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Advisor for Special Affairs at the Presidential Court; Ali bin Hammad Al Shamsi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for National Security; H.E. Yousef Al Otaiba, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the United States of America; and a number of senior officials.