UAE President meets NASA graduates, Emirati students in Washington

During his official visit to the United States, President Sheikh Mohamed of the UAE met with Emirati students studying at American universities, as well as astronauts Nora Al Matrooshi and Mohammad Al Mulla, who recently graduated from NASA's astronaut training program. The meeting took place at a reception held at the UAE Embassy in Washington, where the President shared words of encouragement and emphasized the nation’s commitment to its youth.

President Sheikh Mohamed expressed his delight in meeting young Emiratis pursuing education at prestigious institutions worldwide, underscoring that the UAE leadership is dedicated to supporting their academic and personal development. He took the opportunity to inquire about the students’ progress, asking about their fields of specialization and general wellbeing.

Highlighting the significance of investing in the UAE’s youth, the President called the young people of the nation its "real wealth," stressing that they hold the key to shaping the country’s future. He noted that the UAE is entering a new phase of development that will require the next generation to be well-equipped with the necessary qualifications and skills to take on leadership roles. This next chapter of the UAE’s growth will depend on the academic and technical achievements of its youth.

President Sheikh Mohamed encouraged the students to remain steadfast in their studies, particularly in fields aligned with the UAE’s long-term development vision, such as advanced technology and artificial intelligence. He noted that those who excel in technological fields today are positioned to hold influence and generate wealth in the future, as knowledge and technical expertise will be the currency of the modern world.

The President further emphasized the unique role Emirati students play in representing the UAE internationally. He encouraged them to view themselves as ambassadors of their nation, reflecting the values, principles and progress of the UAE in their academic and professional endeavors. This, he said, would help showcase the nation’s achievements to the global community.

Sheikh Mohamed also stressed the importance of maintaining their Emirati identity while abroad, urging the students to hold on to their cultural values and traditions. At the same time, he advised them to engage actively with the culture and values of the host country, facilitating mutual understanding and fostering stronger relationships between the UAE and other nations.

In addition to his words of support for the students, President Sheikh Mohamed expressed pride in the accomplishments of Emirati astronauts Nora Al Matrooshi and Mohammad Al Mulla. He affirmed that their achievements in the field of space exploration have brought great honor to the UAE and the wider Arab world, demonstrating that the country’s youth are capable of excelling in any field they choose to pursue. Their success, particularly in advanced sciences, is a testament to the UAE’s commitment to fostering knowledge and innovation.

As the UAE continues to expand its horizons, both in space exploration and other advanced sectors, the President’s message was clear: the future of the nation depends on the youth and their education and development will be critical to maintaining the UAE’s leadership on the global stage.