WATCH: First female Saudi astronaut thanks Emirati astronaut in emotional speech as ISS mission ends – News

Breaking down in tears during a speech in Arabic, she paused to catch her breath before starting again in English

In a brief but engaging speech, Rayyanah Barnawi, the first Arab Muslim female astronaut, bid farewell to the crew of the International Space Station.

She initially began her speech in Arabic when she thanked Emirati astronaut Sultan AlNeyadi, who was also on the International Space Station.

She burst into tears during her speech, paused to catch her breath, and started again in English.

“Every story has an end,” she said softly after clearing her throat. “This is just the beginning of a new era for our country and region,” Barnawi said, tearing up.

Pointing to everyone sitting on the ISS, she added, “So, I just want to thank everyone here who has helped us.” Her gratitude was expressed with a smile and a nod.

She choked out another “thank you” as she handed the microphone over, and immediately won applause.

Rayyanah Barnawi, 33, became the first Arab female Muslim astronaut to go into space. She and fellow countryman Ali AlQarni, 31, are members of Axiom Mission-2 (Ax-2).