SHARJAH, 20th September, 2017 – Al Qasimia University of Sharjah received Captain Pilot Abdulaziz Nasser Al Mansouri, President of the UAE Hot Air Ballooning, with a delegation of international pilots who will operate Hot Air Balloon of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, which is expected to be launched on the 46th UAE National Day.

The balloon will fly over several countries during its first international mission, with the aim of promoting Sharjah’s social and scientific stature that was established by Sheikh Sultan, which has enabled it to compete with major international scientific institutions.

The visiting delegation, which was accompanied by Dr. Rashad Salem, Director of Al Qasimia University, and several other officials, toured the university and viewed its main sections, including the Islamic Manuscripts House that was recently inaugurated, which houses a collection of rare and valuable Islamic manuscripts.

Dr. Salem stated that officials from the university, which was founded in 2014, briefed the visiting delegation, which includes pilots from many countries, about its vision, mission and international goals, as well as its achievements in promoting the values of moderate Islam, such as brotherhood and tolerance, which were achieved through the considerable support of Sheikh Sultan.

Al Mansouri stressed that the national balloon mission is a realisation of the wise directives of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, as well as the efforts and sacrifices of the UAE’s founders. He also highlighted the obvious contributions of Sheikh Sultan in placing the UAE among the most advanced countries in the world.

Al Mansouri added that the inauguration and launch of the balloon of Sheikh Sultan, who is loved by all UAE nationals and residents, will witness a large international turnout during its first launch on the 46th UAE National Day.

The balloon of Sheikh Sultan, which carries his image along with the UAE flag, is equipped with various technical equipment from the United Kingdom, enabling it to ascend and fly over high mountains, including the Alps.