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Indian pilot Smit Machchhar received the United Arab Emirates (UAE) First Class Order of Zayed II in October 2026 for his bravery in protecting 174 passengers aboard a Flydubai flight during an in-flight crisis.

What Is The First Class Order Of Zayed II?

It is one of the most prestigious civilian decorations conferred by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to recognize outstanding international service.

  • Origin: Named in honour of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding president of the UAE, who ruled from 1971 until his death in 2004.

  • Eligible Recipients: The honour is primarily conferred upon foreign diplomats, senior government officials, and distinguished international figures who have made significant contributions to the UAE or its international relations.

  • Pilot Smit Machchhar received the award in 2026 for successfully neutralizing an alleged in-flight attack by his co-pilot, safeguarding 174 passengers and crew members aboard a Flydubai commercial aircraft.

  • Other Indian Recipients: Former Indian Ambassadors to the UAE—Navdeep Singh Suri and Sunjay Sudhir—were previously conferred the First Class Order of Zayed II for their contributions to strengthening bilateral relations.

How Does The First Class Order Of Zayed II Differ From The Order Of Zayed?

  • Hierarchy of UAE Honours: The First Class Order of Zayed II functions as a specialized civilian decoration for diplomats, senior officials, and distinguished individuals.

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  • The Apex Honour: The Order of Zayed represents the UAE’s highest civilian award, reserved exclusively for world leaders, monarchs, and heads of state.

  • Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred the Order of Zayed in 2019 in recognition of his role in elevating the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Source: NDTV

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Consider the following statements:

  1. The First Class Order of Zayed II is the highest civilian honour of the UAE, awarded exclusively to heads of state.

  2. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred the Order of Zayed in 2019.

  3. Former Indian Ambassadors Navdeep Singh Suri and Sunjay Sudhir have been recipients of the First Class Order of Zayed II.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect: The highest civilian decoration of the UAE is the Order of Zayed, which is reserved for world leaders, kings, and heads of state. The First Class Order of Zayed II is distinct from it (typically recognized as the second-highest civilian honor) and is usually conferred on diplomats, senior officials, and individuals of notable service or bravery, rather than exclusively to heads of state.

Statement 2 is correct: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred the prestigious Order of Zayed by the UAE in 2019 in recognition of his role in strengthening bilateral and strategic ties.

Statement 3 is correct: Former Indian ambassadors to the UAE, Navdeep Singh Suri (in 2019) and Sunjay Sudhir (in 2025), were both conferred the First Class Order of Zayed II for their diplomatic service and contributions to India–UAE relations.