Abu Dhabi: Emirati astronaut Mr. Sultan Al Neyadi has touched his homeland after a long six-month space mission at the International Space Station (ISS).
The airplane carrying the UAE astronaut has landed at the new Abu Dhabi International Airport, accompanying an exquisite airshow. The astronaut’s three children and his father were there to greet him once he stepped out of the presidential plane.
The UAE President, Mr. Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Prime Minister, Mr. Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, received the Emirati astronaut at the airport. The two leaders interacted with Mr. Al Neyadi and his family.
Mr. Al Neyadi gifted the UAE flag, which he took to space, to Mr. Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Hundreds of people, including children wearing traditional and Emirati astronaut clothing, were gathered at the airport to greet the 42-year-old. Mr. Al Neyadi met them and greeted them, shaking hands with a huge smile.
The UAE has given a grant of welcome to Mr. Al Neyadi, who created history by becoming the first Arab to successfully complete a long space mission.
Mr. Al Neyadi was also greeted by many distinguished personalities at the Abu Dhabi Airport.
The Emirati astronauts were splashed down on the Earth on September 6, 2023. Mr. Al Neyadi has been under observation at NASA since then.
Mr. Al Neyadi became the pride of the UAE and an inspiration for young space enthusiasts as well as students by successfully completing this space mission. The 42-year-old Emirati astronaut went through more than 200 experiments onboard the ISS.
Take a look at Sultan’s journey
- March 2, 2023, Mr. Neyadi started his journey into space.
- March 3, 2023, the astronaut made it to the ISS.
- April 28, 2023, the 7-hour historic walk on space.
- September 3, 2023, started the return journey to Earth after 186 days.
- September 4, 2023, splash down on the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Jacksonville, Florida.
- September 18, 2023, touched the homeland.