Dubai’s ruler highlights how the country’s journey began more than 50 years ago in a desert without any capacity
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“I have always said that for the people of the UAE, anything is possible and our strong will makes the impossible possible.” When the UAE Vice President had a live video call with Emirati astronaut Sultan AlNeyadi aboard the International Space Station (ISS) , his inspiring words traveled from Earth to space.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, highlighted how the country started in the desert more than 50 years ago, without any capacity. “Today, our flag is up in space and flying around Mars,” he said, referring to the exploration of the red planet by the country’s successful Hope rover.
Sheikh Mohammed told AlNeyadi that the Arab region desperately needs an inspirational role model to develop its scientific capabilities. “The UAE’s achievements provide an example not only for the region but for the world… What you have achieved today is fulfilling the dreams of your fellow Arabs.”
AlNeyadi and his Crew-6 partners docked with the International Space Station on Friday for the longest Arab space mission, which will last six months.
Sheikh Mohamed stressed that the UAE is sending a new message of development to the world. It shows how, by prioritizing education, sharing knowledge and leveraging technology, new opportunities can be unlocked to create new realities and brighter futures for the region. “The UAE dream has no place for setbacks or complacency. Every dream we have is accompanied by a bigger dream that exceeds expectations and breaks new ground. Space opens up to us.”
The UAE’s Vice President said in a live call from the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Center (MBRSC) that the UAE has risen to stardom “thanks to the tireless efforts of its sons and daughters”.
The best is yet to come, he added.
“This aspiration started in the 1970s with the late Sheikh Zayed’s dream and determination to explore space and inscribe the UAE’s name not only on Earth but also in the skies.”
space experiment
Sheikh Mohammed was briefed on the scientific experiments that AlNeyadi conducted after his arrival at the International Space Station. He was informed that the planned science program is on track and offers the UAE the opportunity to conduct research in collaboration with international space agencies, especially on the effects of zero gravity on the human body and how its risks can be mitigated in the future.
During the meeting, Sheikh Mohamed heard astronaut Al Mansouri explain the details of the Zayed Ambition 2 mission, as well as the research and experiments that the Crew-6 team will conduct during their six-month stay on the International Space Station.
Crew-6 is now preparing to hand over from the Crew-5 team, and once their work is done, they will depart and splash down on the coast of Florida. After the handover, Crew-6 will conduct novel and innovative scientific research aimed at preparing humans for the exploration of space beyond low Earth orbit and advancing the development of life on Earth.