Watch: Sultan Al Neyadi expresses gratitude ahead of historic return home on September 18

In the video, Al Neyadi said: “Hello, this time I greet you from the ground after we returned safely from space. I am overwhelmed with joy at our return to land, along with the incredible reception and commitment from people near and far.

“Our mission has been accomplished, but this marks the beginning of a series of contributions we aspire to make in this field. We always emphasize that our mission is but a fragment of a larger dynamic system. While we were at the forefront, it was the tireless efforts and dedication of numerous people working behind the scenes for countless months that propelled this mission to success.”

He further said: “Words cannot truly express my deep gratitude to everyone who played a role in the success of this mission, from our wise leadership in the UAE to my supportive family and friends, and the committed team. at the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Center.”

The 42-year-old Emirati, who blasted off into space on March 3, spent 186 days in space to complete the first long-duration manned spaceflight mission by an Arab aboard the International Space Station (ISS). He scripted the story for the second time when he became the first Arab to perform a spacewalk, an Extravehicular Activity (EVA), in the vacuum of outer space outside the ISS on April 28.

Their mission was called Zayed Ambition 2 because it was the second edition of the UAE Astronaut Program which aimed to fulfill the ambition of the nation’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

Al Neyadi and members of his Nasa SpaceX Crew-6 crew returned to Earth aboard SpaceX’s Dragon Endeavor spacecraft, splashing down at 8:17 a.m. GST on September 4, off the coast of Jacksonville, Florida. The four, who had orbited the Earth just under 3,000 orbits, then flew to Houston.