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 Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court and His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi received well-wishers on the occasion of Eid Al-Adha.
His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, and His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi perform Eid Al-Adha prayer.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and the Ruler of Dubai, posted on his official X account to extend Eid Al Adha wishes.