UAE President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan congratulated Dr Sultan Al Neyadi on his safe return to Earth following his historic mission to the International Space Station.
Al Neyadi and his fellow astronauts splashed down off the coast of Jacksonville, Florida, after a 17-hour journey from the space station.
“The people of the UAE are immensely proud of you and the entire team for achieving major advances in space exploration. You carried the dreams of a nation to new frontiers, and we celebrate your pioneering journey and safe return,” President Sheikh Mohamed said expressing his pride via X, formerly known as Twitter.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai praised Al Neyadi’s achievements, highlighting that he conducted 200 scientific research missions and spent over 4,400 hours in space, inspiring Arab youth.
“We congratulate the people of the Emirates and all Arab youth on the safe return of Sultan Al Neyadi to planet Earth – the first Arab astronaut on a long mission to the International Space Station. Sultan conducted 200 scientific research missions.. and spent more than 4,400 hours in space.. and inspired millions of Arab youth that we are able to contribute positively to humanity’s scientific and civilized march,” Sheikh Mohammed said via X.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council reflected on the UAE’s journey from the desert to space, crediting the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan for the country’s ambition in exploration.
“Today, we celebrate Sultan AlNeyadi’s return to earth after the longest Arab space mission ever – a milestone moment for a nation whose ambitions know no limits. As we look towards new adventures in space, the UAE continues to pursue its vision for a brighter Arab future,” Sheikh Hamdan said via X
Sultan Al Neyadi returns to UAE
Al Neyadi gave the thumbs up as he exited the Dragon capsule, and the astronauts were set to board a helicopter to Tampa, Florida, before reuniting with their families in Houston, Texas.
Medical tests are currently underway, following which Al Neyadi would return to the UAE for celebrations in his honour before undergoing a full mission debriefing in the US.
This mission marked the UAE’s second human spaceflight, the Arab world’s first extended mission, and the first Arab spacewalk, solidifying the nation’s commitment to space exploration and inspiring the region’s youth to pursue scientific and cultural contributions beyond Earth.
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