5 Things To Know About Emirati Astronaut Sultan AlNeyadi

Be it technology or space, UAE is setting the bar high for other countries in the ARAB world. And on March 2nd, we are set to witness yet another historic moment in the Arab world when Emirati astronaut Sultan AlNeyadi will set off on a 180-day mission with his crewmates from Nasa and Roscosmos on board the orbiting laboratory of the International Space Station (ISS).

Emirati astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi will also become the Arab world’s first long-term mission specialist, and here are five things you must know about him.

1. A Former IT Professional: At present, the world knows him as an Emirati astronaut who is about to change the game for UAE, but before being an astronaut, Sultan Al Neyadi was an IT professional from Al Ain. He has a PhD in information technology from Griffith University in Australia and a degree in electronics and communications engineering from the University of Brighton in England. In 2018, he was selected as the UAE’s first astronaut.

2. His Journey Began In 2017: Father-to-five – Al Neyadi’s journey to becoming an astronaut began six years ago when he applied to become an astronaut through UAE’s space programme. From surviving the harsh winters in Russia to travelling across Europe and completing the basic training in Texas, his journey is filled with hardships.

3. Dates In Space: Al Neyadi wants to ensure to celebrate the culture and share the spirit of the Holy month of Ramadan in space as well. He will be carrying some dates and sharing them with his colleagues. He is also planning to celebrate EID in the space uniquely.

4. Martial Arts In Space: Al Neyadi will also practice Martial Arts in space to keep his body in good shape. He has been training in Jiu-Jitsu for almost a decade and will try doing it daily in the space too.

5. He Could Be The First Najmonaut: ‘Najmonaut’ is a term coined for Arab astronauts; Sultan Al Neyadi will also possibly become the first Arab astronaut to perform a spacewalk. He has acquired rigorous training in spacewalks, robotics and science experiments.