He is set to become the first ever Emirati to visit space. But when Hazza Al Mansouri blasts off in September, he will bring with him a few reminders of home.
An appeal has been launched for poems, short stories and pictures which he will take on his historic journey to the International Space Station.
As part of a competition, designed to involve the public in the trip, the winning entries will be unveiled to the world from outer space, with images beamed back home.
“It is a great opportunity for creative people to send their drawings, stories or poems to space,” said Yousuf Al Shaibani, director general of the The Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre. “We hope that this competition will
be a beacon of inspiration for ambitious and creative generations that believe that their creativity can reach beyond Earth.”
The competition is open to people of all ages and nationalities. People in any country can submit poems of up to 20 verses, a short story in Arabic or English of up to 1,000 words or an original drawing on A4-size paper. The deadline is July 27.
Mr Al Mansouri was chosen from more than 4,000 applicants to become the UAE’s first astronaut. A military pilot, he has completed advanced training in Russia to prepare him. The father of four will spend eight days in space, with his mission due to begin on September 25.
Once Mr Al Mansouri reaches the ISS, he will present a tour of the station in Arabic. He will be conducting earth observation and imaging experiences, interacting with ground stations, sharing information, as well as documenting the daily lives of astronauts at the station.
“We are excited about building the anticipation and giving members of the public the opportunity to be part of this historic milestone through this competition,” said Abdulla Alashram, Acting Group chief executive of Emirates Post Group, which is supporting the ‘send to space’ competition.
“We encourage our nation’s youth to take part in this competition and express their pride in this historic achievement, which represents UAE’s aspirations and pivotal role in the global space sector.”
More information about the competition is available at www.mbrsc.ae/sendtospace
The language of diplomacy in 1853
Treaty of Peace in Perpetuity Agreed Upon by the Chiefs of the Arabian Coast on Behalf of Themselves, Their Heirs and Successors Under the Mediation of the Resident of the Persian Gulf, 1853
(This treaty gave the region the name “Trucial States”.)
We, whose seals are hereunto affixed, Sheikh Sultan bin Suggar, Chief of Rassool-Kheimah, Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon, Chief of Aboo Dhebbee, Sheikh Saeed bin Buyte, Chief of Debay, Sheikh Hamid bin Rashed, Chief of Ejman, Sheikh Abdoola bin Rashed, Chief of Umm-ool-Keiweyn, having experienced for a series of years the benefits and advantages resulting from a maritime truce contracted amongst ourselves under the mediation of the Resident in the Persian Gulf and renewed from time to time up to the present period, and being fully impressed, therefore, with a sense of evil consequence formerly arising, from the prosecution of our feuds at sea, whereby our subjects and dependants were prevented from carrying on the pearl fishery in security, and were exposed to interruption and molestation when passing on their lawful occasions, accordingly, we, as aforesaid have determined, for ourselves, our heirs and successors, to conclude together a lasting and inviolable peace from this time forth in perpetuity.
Taken from Britain and Saudi Arabia, 1925-1939: the Imperial Oasis, by Clive Leatherdale
On racial profiling at airports
Pots for the Asian Qualifiers
Pot 1: Iran, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, China
Pot 2: Iraq, Uzbekistan, Syria, Oman, Lebanon, Kyrgyz Republic, Vietnam, Jordan
Pot 3: Palestine, India, Bahrain, Thailand, Tajikistan, North Korea, Chinese Taipei, Philippines
Pot 4: Turkmenistan, Myanmar, Hong Kong, Yemen, Afghanistan, Maldives, Kuwait, Malaysia
Pot 5: Indonesia, Singapore, Nepal, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Mongolia, Guam, Macau/Sri Lanka
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