Captain Russel Clack, Technical Supervisor of the UAE Balloon, along with the team (WAM)
The countdown for the launch of the "UAE Flag Balloon" in seven months time has begun, as part of the celebrations to mark the nation's fiftieth anniversary.
Equal to a seven-floor commercial building in size, the vessel is scheduled to undertake regional and global tours from November until March 2022.
Captain Pilot Abdulaziz Nasser Al Mansoori, the UAE Balloon Team President, said taking part in the country's Golden Jubilee is a national duty and highlights leadership's work over the last five decades.
The Flag Balloon carries the message "The World Will Not Forget You, Zayed," to commemorate the memory of the Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
It will also launch the first "Middle East Balloons Festival" and journey through several Arab countries, as well as Israel, Sudan and Morocco.
Captain Russel Clack, Technical Supervisor of the UAE Balloon, explained that several pieces of technical equipment have been specifically manufactured for the vessel.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, met with his core team during an annual gathering at the Museum of the Future.
The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) is strengthening its partnership with France’s national space agency, CNES, as preparations ramp up for the Emirates Lunar Mission’s Rashid Rover 2, set to launch to the Moon in 2026.
Dubai Police are warning the public about fake links circulating online and on social media, falsely promoting Global Village VIP packs at discounted prices.
His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, has met with Takatoshi Nishiwaki, Governor of Kyoto Prefecture, during his visit to Japan to attend the UAE Day celebration at Expo 2025 Osaka.