DUBAI, 17th October, 2025 (WAM) -- H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, received the UAE Hot Air Balloon Team, as they prepare for the launch of His Highness the President's hot air balloon, which will tour a number of Arab countries and beyond, promoting the UAE's message of peace and tolerance.

The balloon is set to depart from Dubai on a global tour, showcasing the UAE's achievements across diverse spheres, under the visionary leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

During the meeting with the balloon's crew at his office in Emirates Towers, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed was briefed by Captain Pilot Abdulaziz Nasser Al Mansouri, President of the UAE Hot Air Balloon Team, on the balloon's technical specifications.

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed commended the UAE Hot Air Balloon Team for promoting the UAE globally, noting that hot air ballooning is a specialised sport and that having an Emirati team at the forefront is a source of pride. He also underlined the significance of the team's upcoming mission on the hot air balloon of His Highness the President, during which it will visit several countries sharing the UAE's message of universal goodwill, and harmony.

Captain Abdulaziz Al Mansouri expressed his gratitude to H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed for his steadfast support to the UAE Hot Air Balloon Team throughout its journey of more than two decades, during which the team achieved international acclaim and recognitions.
The meeting was attended by team members Captain Hassan Nasser Al Mansouri, Abdulrahman bin Mohammed Khurais, and Rashid Ali Al Alili.