The second deputy of the ruler of Dubai and president of the Dubai Media Council, attended a session titled "From Desert to Space," featuring Emirati astronaut Sultan Al-Neyadi, as part of the Arab Media Forum which began on Tuesday and continues through Wednesday, with the participation of 3,000 media professionals. Sultan Al-Neyadi spoke about the achievement of the longest mission by an Arab astronaut aboard the International Space Station, stating, "The Emirati nation stands behind my achievement and the complete teams... We work with the ambition of the founder, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan, may he rest in peace, and we all aspire to give back to our country."
Emirati astronaut Dr. Sultan Al-Neyadi during the Arab Media Forum: "We were confident in the training and the preparations for all the details of the mission... We recorded an achievement in the name of the UAE and the Arab world." He noted that "the field is open for young generations to achieve all accomplishments, and the opportunity is available for everyone with the support of our leadership... As long as you are Emirati, you must prove your presence, and you will find all the support from the leadership in all areas of life, and we must represent our country in the best way."
Discussing his space mission in detail, Al-Neyadi said, "We spent six months on the International Space Station and conducted many scientific experiments... We were confident in the training we executed and the preparations for all the details of the mission... We achieved an accomplishment in the name of the UAE and the Arab world." He explained: "The moment of entering the atmosphere was crucial, but our confidence in the training and standard procedures enabled us to overcome it smoothly."
Emirati astronaut Dr. Sultan Al-Neyadi in the Arab Media Forum session stated: "The Emirati nation" worked as one team and stands behind my achievement. He reminisced about his childhood in the Umm Ghafah area near Al Ain, saying: "My childhood in Umm Ghafah was beautiful, where our environment was free of noise, and we could see the stars away from the lights," praising the role of his parents in his journey and success: "I thank my father and mother for their entire contribution... They taught us the values of faith, knowledge, and principles." He continued: "My mother was not educated, and my father did not complete his education and joined the military early... After we graduated, my mother studied and memorized the Quran, and the best thing I received at the International Space Station was a message from my mother."
