Manal bint Mohammed congratulates the UAE’s leadership and people on the successful launch of UAE Mission 2 to the International Space Station

HH wished Emirati astronaut Sultan AlNeyadi, one of four international astronauts who will spend six months at the ISS, a successful journey and a safe return to his family and homeland

Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council (GBC), President of the Dubai Women Establishment, and the wife of HH Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court, has congratulated His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, as well as Their Highnesses, the members of the Federal Supreme Council, Rulers of the Emirates, and the people of the UAE, on the successful launch of the UAE Mission 2.

Her Highness said: “We congratulate the leadership and people of the UAE on the successful launch of the UAE Mission 2 to the International Space Station. We wish our Emirati astronaut Sultan AlNeyadi a successful journey and a safe return to his family and homeland.” AlNeyadi is one of four international astronauts that will spend the next six months at the International Space Station as part of this scientific mission.

Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed praised the Emirati astronaut for his courage, scientific competence, enthusiasm, and dedication to advancing science and space exploration, which will benefit humanity and elevate the UAE’s standing in the global space sector. Her Highness added: “With this remarkable achievement that enhances the UAE's global position in the space sector and contribution for humanity, the vision of our Founding Father Sheikh Zayed has been realised.” The UAE is the eleventh country in the world and the first in the Arab world to participate in such long-term space missions.

Her Highness lauded the unwavering support provided by the wise leadership to the Emirati people and their keenness to leverage the capabilities of the UAE citizens to enhance their education, social status and professional growth. Her Highness also appreciated the visionary and progressive future outlook of the nation’s wise leadership and their dedicated approach to supporting international initiatives in different fields. Her Highness further highlighted that Sultan Al Neyadi’s role in the mission is critical, as he collaborates with the team from space agencies and international research centres at the International Space Station, contributing with his research and experiences towards this vital global mission.

Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum also expressed her appreciation for the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre’s efforts in training Emirati astronauts who will contribute to enriching humanity and qualify them as ambassadors of the country in the global space sector.