Emirati Astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi Returns Home After Historic Space Mission

Emirati astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi returned to the UAE after a historic six-month mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Al Neyadi was greeted by a hero’s welcome at Abu Dhabi International Airport, where he was met by President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and other senior officials.

Al Neyadi’s mission of 186 days aboard the ISS was the longest by an Arab astronaut, and he made history during his time on the ISS by becoming the first Arab astronaut to perform a spacewalk.

He also conducted a number of scientific experiments and educational outreach activities.In 2023, Al Neyadi celebrated International Yoga Day on the ISS by performing a lotus pose (Padmasana). He shared a photo of himself in the pose on social media, along with a message about the benefits of yoga.

President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum hailed Al Neyadi as an inspiration to young people across the UAE and the world, and remarked that his pioneering achievement reflected the boundless ambitions of the nation.