Expo 2020 Dubai is our window to the world; Emirati Astronaut Al Neyadi

Expo 2020 Dubai is our window to the world; Emirati Astronaut Al Neyadi

One of the first Emirati astronauts, Mr. Sultan Al-Neyadi at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia. | Image Courtesy:

NASA/Beth Weissinger

One of the first two astronauts from the United Arab Emirates, along with Mr. Hazza Al Mansouri, Mr. Sultan Al Neyadi’s presence was the show stealer at the ongoing Space Week at Expo 2020 Dubai. 

Speaking to the Expo News Service (ENS) team, Mr. Al Neyadi spoke about being one of the first Emirati Astronauts, the way forward among several other things.

What drew you to work in the space sector? Did your father’s work in the UAE Air Force inspire you?

“Since childhood, I have dreamed of exploring space, and I was interested in my father’s work as a pilot in the UAE Air Force. I did not succeed in being a pilot, so I studied engineering and did not give up my dream of exploring space. In 2017, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai announced the opening of registration for astronauts. As the registration door was open to all disciplines, including engineers, I submitted, accepted and graded in the exams, and then I was selected,