Emir attends Air Academy graduation ceremony

QNA/DohaHH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani attended the graduation ceremony of the first batch of the Air Academy’s officer cadets, held yesterday at Al Udeid Air Base. The ceremony was also attended by HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani,  a number of ministers and ranking armed forces officers. HH the Emir reviewed a parade by the graduates after the band played the national anthem.Speaking on the occasion, Commander of the College, Brigadier Salim Hamad al-Nabit said the Air Academy was established to defend the homeland. The air force has introduced sophisticated, multi-purpose planes to its fleet, he added. Brigadier al-Nabit explained that the Air Academy was founded in 2009 upon the directives of HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, adding that efforts were on to develop the college into a distinctive institution. He advised the graduates to obey the Almighty Allah and to work hard, saying: “The homeland is expecting much from you as you are the hope and leaders of the future. Get fortified by religion and knowledge, and fulfil the expectations of your leaders.” Following Brigadier al-Nabit’s address, the graduates staged a march past in front of the main podium where the Emir and other dignitaries were seated. On the occasion, HH the Emir honoured the outstanding graduates from the batch. The outgoing batch of graduates then exchanged flags with the incoming batch after which the order for the graduates’ upgrading was read out and the oath was taken. Later, HH the Emir attended an air show performed by the Emiri Air Force. He toured the Al Udeid Air Base facilities, including the aircraft maintenance centre.