President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed welcomes UAE astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi home
President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Vice President Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum welcome UAE astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi back home after his historic six-month mission aboard the International Space Station. They congratulated him for completing the longest ever space flight by an Arab astronaut and becoming the first Arab to perform a spacewalk.
UAE’s investment in space exploration
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid commended the teams involved in previous space missions and those working on forthcoming missions, highlighting the UAE’s investment in the field of space exploration. They stressed the importance of investing today in the future progress of the UAE and the world, and developing the nation’s knowledge economy and the skills of its young people in the fields of science and technology.
UAE Astronaut Programme
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid noted that the UAE Astronaut Programme reinforces the country’s vision based on investing in its people, empowering them, supporting their potential, and enhancing their expertise and capabilities. The Vice President aims to develop more young men and women as astronauts to enable further scientific research and exploration, both in space and on Earth.
Homecoming ceremony
To mark the homecoming, a large reception ceremony was held at the new Abu Dhabi Airport terminal, celebrating Sultan Al Neyadi’s accomplishments and his return to the UAE. The ceremony was attended by school children dressed in astronaut flight suits, government employees, and members of the public.
Pride and celebration for UAE’s achievements
The people of the UAE are united in pride for Sultan Al Neyadi’s remarkable achievement. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid described Sultan’s mission as not only a notable milestone in the UAE’s scientific advancements, but also a reflection of the nation’s priority of investing in its people. The audience waved UAE flags and applauded, demonstrating the depth of pride and celebration felt by the people of the nation.
