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UAE celebrates homecoming of Sultan AlNeyadi following space mission

The astronaut was received with a grand reception attended by the country’s leadership, AlNeyadi’s family as well as senior ministers and dignitaries

by Gulf Business

September 19, 2023

Image credit: MBRSC/X

UAE leaders welcomed Sultan AlNeyadi as he landed in Abu Dhabi on Monday, September 18.

President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, received the astronaut after he landed in Abu Dhabi. He was also received by his father and three children.

During the discussion, they lauded him for completing the Arab world’s longest-ever spaceflight and for becoming the first Arab to perform a spacewalk.

شاركت وأخي محمد بن راشد، شعب الإمارات في الاحتفاء بعودة ابننا رائد الفضاء سلطان النيادي. فرحة وطن يفخر بأبناء رفعوا اسمه إلى عنان السماء. سلطان نموذج مشرف وملهم لشباب الإمارات والعرب، ورمز لطموح وطن لا تحده حدود، وبإذن الله بأمثاله من شبابنا ستظل رايتنا عالية وإنجازاتنا متواصلة. pic.twitter.com/xcNUuMFxw1

— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) September 18, 2023

In honor of his homecoming, a grand reception ceremony took place at the new Abu Dhabi Airport terminal, where UAE residents, government officials, and the public gathered to celebrate Sultan AlNeyadi’s remarkable journey.

Traditional dances and waves of UAE flags showcased the nation’s pride in his accomplishments.

The reception was streamed live by the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC).

Sultan AlNeyadi’s love of space

During a press conference, Sultan AlNeyadi revealed his aspirations for future missions, expressing a keen interest in venturing to the Moon.

He noted that the UAE’s participation in the Artemis Accords for safe and peaceful lunar exploration represents a significant step toward this goal. He expressed his desire to be part of the planned Lunar Gateway, a space station orbiting the Moon, emphasising that opportunities would depend on mission suitability and timing.

رائد الفضاء سلطان النيادي يتحدث عن تجربته ضمن أطول مهمة فضائية في تاريخ العرب، خلال المؤتمر الصحفي بعد عودته إلى أرض الوطن.#عودة_سلطان_للوطن pic.twitter.com/MJtfsVN9gX

— MBR Space Centre (@MBRSpaceCentre) September 18, 2023

As he readjusts to life on Earth, Sultan AlNeyadi’s immediate focus is on spending quality time with his family and catching up on much-needed rest.

Reflecting on his mission, he underscored the importance of the experiments conducted in space and the significance of protecting Earth and fostering global peace. Sultan Al Neyadi’s triumphant return marks a historic moment for the UAE and the global space exploration community.