New Delhi, Oct. 3 -- Dubai Crown Prince and UAE Deputy Prime Minister Hamdan bin Mohammed has praised Indian flydubai pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his courage, saying he had demonstrated the "highest levels of courage, responsibility, and care for people's lives."

Hamdan shared a photograph from his visit to Smit Machchhar, who is receiving treatment in hospital, and said the UAE leadership extends its "appreciation and praise" to the pilot.

In a post on X, Hamdan said Smit Machchhar had become part of the UAE's national story and praised his contribution in protecting lives.

"Proud that he is part of our team.. and part of our nation's story," Hamdan wrote, adding that Machchhar was also part of the UAE's "human experience".

He c...