Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, tonight congratulated UAE astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi on making history as the first Arab to perform a spacewalk on the International Space Station (ISS) during Expedition 69.

In a tweet, Sheikh Mohammed praised Al Neyadi’s achievement, saying: “After three years of intensive training, today marked a historic moment as Sultan Al Neyadi embarked on his first spacewalk. During this mission, he installed new components and performed maintenance on the International Space Station, becoming the first Emirati, Arab, and Muslim astronaut to walk in outer space. This accomplishment is a source of immense pride for the Arab world.”

Years of training

The astronaut’s success comes after three years of rigorous training and highlights the importance of perseverance and dedication.

Sheikh Mohammed also emphasised the potential of the Arab world to make a lasting impact on the global stage.

He noted that two-thirds of the stars in the sky have Arabic names, a testament to the capabilities and creativity of the Arab people. By focusing on science, investing in the youth, and setting aside disputes, the Arab world has the potential to make significant strides and contribute positively to humanity’s progress, Sheikh Mohammed said.

The UAE today has become the 10th country to execute a spacewalk on the ISS, with Al Neyadi taking part in the 261st spacewalk in support of space station assembly, maintenance, and upgrades.

The fourth spacewalk of the year on the ISS will be historic, as Al Neyadi and Nasa Flight Engineer Stephen Bowen collaborate to complete critical duties.