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, continued to receive condolences at Zabeel Majlis on Wednesday following the passing of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
The UAE has welcomed a United States statement supporting efforts to achieve peace in Sudan, including a call for an immediate and unconditional humanitarian truce and a commitment to a comprehensive political dialogue leading to civilian rule.
UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, along with other Rulers, offered their condolences to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on the passing of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
The United Arab Emirates has made significant progress in the 2026 Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI) Nuclear Security Index, ranking fourth out of 48 countries assessed for protecting nuclear facilities against sabotage.