Captain Smit Machar Bravery Award : The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has honoured Indian pilot Captain Smit Machar for his bravery. During a ceremony, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan honoured Captain Machar and his fellow Flydubai employees. At the time, Captain Machar had stitches on his head and his left arm was in a sling. His injuries served as a reminder of the dangerous incident he had faced inside the aircraft cockpit. The President presented him with the First Class Order of Zayed II. However, alongside the honour, a conversation between the two also attracted attention. One remark by the President made Captain Machar and others present burst into laughter.

President Asks When He Will Recover
During the ceremony, Captain Smit Machar embraced the UAE President and said it was an honour for him. The President then noticed the stitches on his head and the sling on his arm. He asked the captain about his injuries and wanted to know how long recovery would take. Captain Machar replied that he might need around two months to recover fully. This exchange became one of the most memorable moments of the ceremony. The President expressed concern about his injuries before making a humorous remark that lightened the atmosphere.



‘I Will Teach You How to Fight’
After hearing about Captain Machar’s recovery, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan said he wanted to meet him once he had fully recovered. The President then smiled and said, “I will teach you how to fight.” His remark made Captain Machar burst into laughter as well. Placing his hand on his heart, the captain described the moment as the greatest honour for him. A video of their conversation is attracting attention online. The exchange also became a memorable moment for those attending the ceremony. Captain Machar’s relaxed and cheerful demeanour despite his serious injuries made the meeting even more special.

‘The UAE Is Your Own Country’
During the ceremony, the President referred to Flydubai employees and passengers as family. He reassured Captain Machar by telling him that the UAE was his own country. He also said that a home and family were waiting for him there. The President’s message was seen as an expression of respect and support for the captain and his colleagues. The event aimed to honour those who demonstrated courage during a dangerous incident involving Flydubai flight FZ 1073. Captain Machar’s presence at the ceremony despite his injuries further highlighted the significance of the recognition.

Captain Attacked with an Axe Inside Cockpit
The incident involving Captain Smit Machar occurred aboard a Flydubai flight travelling to Tel Aviv. According to the report, his co-pilot, Hammam Al Hammami, attacked him inside the cockpit using a crash axe kept on board. The attack reportedly caused a serious injury to the bone in Captain Machar’s head, resulting in a compound depressed skull fracture. He required stitches on his head and a sling for his injured arm. The incident presented a serious challenge for the crew members on board. Despite the circumstances, Captain Machar’s bravery and the efforts of his colleagues were recognised at the ceremony.

Recognition for Bravery Wins Hearts
The honour presented to Captain Machar and his fellow employees highlights the importance of courage and responsibility in dangerous situations. His conversation with the UAE President also added a deeply human touch to the ceremony. On one side were the captain’s serious injuries; on the other was the President’s humour and his reassuring message that the captain was part of the UAE family. In particular, the remark, “I will teach you how to fight,” became a talking point. The recognition given to Captain Machar and the appreciation shown for his colleagues have drawn attention to the courage demonstrated during the incident.