President Sheikh Mohamed has congratulated UAE astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi on his return to Earth.

“My son, Sultan Al Neyadi, thank God for your safe return to Earth after the longest Arab mission in space,” Sheikh Mohamed wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“Together with the national work teams, you made a historic Emirati achievement and contributed to the service of science and humanity. With all of you, our ambitions in the field of space are great and continuous.

“Science is our weapon, and the effort of our children is our asset. May God grant success."

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, said that Dr Al Neyadi's achievements have inspired millions of Arab youth.

“We congratulate the people of the Emirates and all Arab youth on the safe return of Sultan Al Neyadi to planet Earth – the first Arab astronaut on a long mission to the International Space Station,” Sheikh Mohammed wrote.

“Sultan conducted 200 scientific research missions … and spent more than 4,400 hours in space … and inspired millions of Arab youth that we are able to contribute positively to humanity's scientific and cultural journey.”