Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, received astronauts Sultan Al Neyadi and Hazza Al Mansouri.
He also met the team behind the Zayed Ambition 2 mission from the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre.
The meeting took place at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, where Sheikh Mansour was engaged conversations with the team and praised their efforts in successfully completing the UAE space mission, the longest in Arab history.
Sheikh Mansour urged the team to continue pushing forward the nation's aspirations in space, praising their achievements in the field.
He was also briefed on the UAE's future projects in the space sector and the centre's plans for the next phase, including the Emirates Astronaut Programme, which aims to develop a national team of astronauts to take part in crewed exploration flights and programmes.
Sheikh Mansour also met Hamad Al Mansouri, chairman of the board of directors of the MBRSC, Yousef Al Shaibani, vice chairman of the board of directors, and Salem Al Marri, director general of the MBRSC.
Dr Al Neyadi returned to the UAE after his historic six-month visit to the International Space Station in September.
He became the first Arab to carry out an extended space mission, as well as the first to perform a spacewalk.
He took part in more than 200 experiments on the ISS assigned by Nasa and universities in the UAE.
The MBRSC carries out research, projects and studies on space to support the UAE's drive for advancing the sector, and building national knowledge and scientific capabilities.
Trump v Khan
2016: Feud begins after Khan criticised Trump’s proposed Muslim travel ban to US
2017: Trump criticises Khan’s ‘no reason to be alarmed’ response to London Bridge terror attacks
2019: Trump calls Khan a “stone cold loser” before first state visit
2019: Trump tweets about “Khan’s Londonistan”, calling him “a national disgrace”
2022: Khan’s office attributes rise in Islamophobic abuse against the major to hostility stoked during Trump’s presidency
July 2025 During a golfing trip to Scotland, Trump calls Khan “a nasty person”
Sept 2025 Trump blames Khan for London’s “stabbings and the dirt and the filth”.
Dec 2025 Trump suggests migrants got Khan elected, calls him a “horrible, vicious, disgusting mayor”
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
VEZEETA PROFILE
Date started: 2012
Founder: Amir Barsoum
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: HealthTech / MedTech
Size: 300 employees
Funding: $22.6 million (as of September 2018)
Investors: Technology Development Fund, Silicon Badia, Beco Capital, Vostok New Ventures, Endeavour Catalyst, Crescent Enterprises’ CE-Ventures, Saudi Technology Ventures and IFC
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
