Expats share joy of UAE astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi’s triumphant homecoming
Residents here say they feel privileged to live in a country that supports ambitions
Dubai: Alongside Emiratis, expats are also sharing the joyous return of UAE astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi, who completed the longest Arab space mission - spanning six months on the International Space Station - and performed the first spacewalk by an Arab.
Ryan Banks
Filipino expat Ryan Banks said: “I am one of the millions of expats in the UAE supporting the longest Arab space mission. I feel proud for the country and the Agency for achieving another milestone in their space missions. This just proves UAE’s Information and Communications Sector [ICS] and integration is on par with the global stage.”
Brad Maasdorp
South African Brad Maasdorp also welcomed the news of Al Neyadi’s homecoming. “As a South African expat living in the UAE and an advocate for innovation, technology and inclusion in these spaces, I am delighted to see the continued strides the UAE are taking. This achievement not only puts the UAE on the global map of space exploration but also demonstrates the country’s inclusive and forward-thinking approach. The leadership and government are on a fast trajectory to push technology and are empowering people to greatness. I’m grateful to be a part and contribute to this ecosystem.”
Robert Aaraj
Robert Aaraj Jr, 40, a Lebanese national living in the UAE, said: “I feel very proud of Sultan Al Neyadi’s accomplishment. He has put the UAE and the Arab world on the international map. His spacewalk has gone down in history and has set the tone for the Arab world to dream and aim to achieve more success in the international space world.”
Sethu Ramaswamy
Indian expat Sethu Ramaswamy said: “The mission of Sultan Al Neyadi is transformative in many respects. As an aspiring entrepreneur, I am inspired at many levels by his achievement. I consider it as a blessing that I am a resident of this great country that says and acts like ‘Nothing is impossible’. I feel the whole country is entrepreneurial and does much to realise people’s dreams. I wish the UAE more luck in its endeavours into space and the moon.”
Maryam Adeel Khan
Pakistani homemaker Maryam Adeel Khan, 44, said Al Neyadi’s inspirational journey will set the tone for many youngsters to dream big.
“We have been closely following his space journey with much pride. As an expat and as a mother, Al Neyadi’s success has positively impacted me. I can now share a massive success story close to home with my children. In fact they have been inspired by his spacewalk and are very curious to learn about astronomy and space.”