Sultan bin Ahmed speaks with Al Neyadi during ‘live call’ event

"We are immensely proud for being at the station, representing us, wishing you, those who preceded you, and those who will follow your path, to be the best ambassadors not only for the United Arab Emirates, but for the entire Arab and Islamic world,” Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed said.
He emphasized the comprehensive development that the exploration journey receives.

The Deputy Ruler added, “We are discovering more about your remarkable and unique scientific experiments on this station, and I, personally, keep tracking all the activities that you carry out, as well as monitoring the Space Station when it passes through the UAE sky, documenting it.”
He extended his earnest gratitude to Sultan Al Neyadi for the sensational meeting and for answering their questions, wishing him a glorious and thriving journey. He also invited him to visit the Sharjah Academy for Space and Astronomy, engaging with the students and researchers and sharing his experience gained from his celestial journey, inspiring them to go down the path of space exploration.
Al Neyadi expressed his gratitude to Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed. He stated that he had the honour of meeting His Highness, the Ruler of Sharjah, during his visit to the academy, where he mentioned that the inception of his career, the spark that ignited his passion, was his visit during his childhood.

He added that he took pleasure in answering enquiries regarding the mission, the longest Arab space mission in history, on the ISS.
After that, Adnan Al Rais, Mission Manager-UAE Astronaut Programme, reviewed the astronauts programme, announced in 2017, and the critical training that astronauts endure, from managing operations at stations, maintaining them and dealing with emergency cases, to learning physics, chemistry, and geology.
Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed was briefed about the whole concept of space exploration and how it all started, the efforts made by countries to reach the surface of the moon to the idea of establishing the International Space Station.

The UAE is the 11th country that sends astronauts on long missions.
The live call saw a turnout of over 800 attendees. Al Neyadi answered questions about the mission, his post-mission plans, and what he has been missing most from the Earth realm while on the station.

The event series enlighten and inspires audiences across the UAE with insights into Al Neyadi’s space mission and life on the ISS.
The UAE Astronaut Programme is one of the projects managed by MBRSC under the UAE’s National Space Programme and funded by the ICT Fund of the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), which aims to support research and development in the ICT sector in the UAE and promote the country’s integration on the global stage.

The event was attended by by: Sheikh Salem bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Ruler’s Office; Sheikh Mohammed bin Humaid Al Qasimi, Head of the Department of Statistics and Community Development; Omar bin Huraimel Al Shamsi, Head of the Sharjah Department Human Resources; Dr. Khaled Omar Al Midfa, President of Sharjah Media City "Shams"; And Issa Hilal Al Hazami, Chairman of the Sharjah Sports Council; and Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre; along with other directors of local departments and government entities in Sharjah