The UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan celebrated the safe return of astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi to Earth. In a post on platform "X", bin Zayed stated, "My son Sultan Al Neyadi, thank God for your safe return to Earth after the longest Arab mission in space," adding, "You and the national teams have achieved a historic Emirati accomplishment and contributed to the service of science and humanity." He concluded: "With all of you, our ambitions in the field of space are great and ongoing. Science is our weapon, the efforts of our youth are our treasure, and success is from God."
Dubai's ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, also confirmed during a Cabinet meeting at the Al Watan Palace in Abu Dhabi that the UAE will continue its ambitious strategy for the space technology sector and the ongoing training and sending of more astronauts to the International Space Station. He welcomed Sultan Al Neyadi's return as the first Arab astronaut on a long mission to the International Space Station after participating in numerous scientific experiments aboard the craft, with the support and organization of the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, which manages a comprehensive program for Emirati astronauts and future space missions. The ruler described Sultan Al Neyadi as a "role model and an inspiration for millions of youth in the UAE and our Arab region to reach the highest levels globally, and our future in the field of space will be greater and better, God willing."
He also noted the approval of an alternative end-of-service gratuity system for employees in the private sector and free zones in the country, which will be optional for employers. This system includes the establishment of savings and investment funds managed by the Securities and Commodities Authority in coordination with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, through which end-of-service bonuses for employees can be saved and invested with various investment options. The goal is to preserve the savings of workers, which represent their end-of-service benefits in the operating companies and ensure their safe investment to guarantee their rights and provide stability for their families. Additionally, the system allows government employees to participate for savings and investment purposes.
Bin Rashid announced the approval of a federal law to regulate the weights of heavy vehicles using the country's roads, which will be applied at the beginning of next year, God willing. This regulation will prohibit heavy vehicles with a gross weight exceeding 65 tons from using state roads to preserve the advanced infrastructure and enhance safety on roads.
During the Cabinet meeting, they established the "Federal Regulatory Office for the Water and Electricity Sector", aimed at regulating the trade of electricity and water between the Emirates and across borders, in addition to regulating the production, transmission, and distribution of electricity and water in the country. This new office will fall under the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure.
Mohammed stated, "Continuing the comprehensive development of our federal legislative system, we approved today in the Cabinet the start of issuing 11 new federal laws, such as the new law for e-commerce, a new law for media regulation, a law for reproductive assistance, a law for organizing the space sector, a law for the use of the human genome, among other social, economic, health, and technological laws that reinforce a better legislative environment in the UAE and enhance social stability, economic growth, and a better quality of life for all, God willing."
The ruler congratulated Emiratis and Arabs on the safe return of Emirati astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi to Earth. Bin Rashid wrote on "X": "We congratulate the people of the UAE and all Arab youth on the safe return of Sultan Al Neyadi to Earth, the first Arab astronaut on a long mission in the International Space Station." He added, "Sultan conducted 200 scientific research missions, spent over 4,400 hours in space, and inspired millions of Arab youth that we are capable of making positive contributions to the scientific and civilizational journey of humanity."
The Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre team also celebrated Sultan Al Neyadi's return to Earth.
