Watch: H.H. Sheikh Mohammed holds space call with UAE astronaut

NASA TV screengrab

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai interacted with Emirati astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi, who is currently aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

"Praise be to God for your safe arrival at the International Space Station. The youth of the UAE and the Arab world follow you and wish you success in your mission. Congratulations, and may God protect you," said Sheikh Mohammed.

Al Neyadi, who arrived on the ISS last Friday, said that he and his fellow crew members were coping well with microgravity and that they had a packed schedule on their cards.

He added that a large number of experiments have been lined up, in which the UAE will be taking part.

The 41-year-old also thanked Sheikh Mohammed for keeping his promise of sending more astronauts to space after Hazza Al Mansoori went to the ISS in September 2019.

Video: @HHShkMohd held a live video call with Emirati astronaut @Astro_Alneyadi, who is currently undertaking the longest Arab space mission on the International @Space_Station. pic.twitter.com/Gmm11wasV9

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 7, 2023

Al Neyadi is the second Emirati to travel into space after Al Mansouri, and the first Arab to undertake a long-duration mission.

He will spend six months aboard the ISS.