UAE astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi. ARCHIVE

UAE astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi was appointed as the Minister of State for Youth in the UAE on Saturday (January 6). The appointment was announced by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. In his X account, Sheikh Mohammedsaid that Al Neyadi’s name “consistently stood out” among nominations from Emirati youth. “Sultan Al Neyadi, an accomplished astronaut with a PhD, has dedicatedly served his country in both the military and space sectors. He has made significant contributions to humanity in the field of science, notably being the first Arab to undertake a spacewalk and the first to embark on the longest Arab space mission, lasting six months,” Sheikh Mohammed said. Al Neyadi recently became the first Arab astronaut to complete six months in the International Space Station. “He is the one closest to youth issues, and most keen on serving them and advancing them. All the best to Sultan. He will continue to perform his scientific and space duties in addition to his new responsibilities,” Sheikh Mohammed said. “Sultan is deeply connected to youth issues and is committed to their advancement and promotion. We wish Sultan all the best as he continues his scientific and space explorations in addition to his new responsibilities. We encourage our youth to be firmly grounded in their land, history, and culture, while aspiring to reach the stars. We stand with them in competition on the global stage and take pride in their achievements. Sultan, we are with you in this endeavor,” he said. “We have told him that we want our youth to have their feet rooted in their land, their history, and their culture, and their necks in the sky. With them, we can compete with nations and be proud of them. We are with you in this mission,” he said. ICA/Expat Media
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