
H.E. Dr. Sultan AlNeyadi
H.E. Dr. Sultan AlNeyadi is a trailblazing astronaut and the UAE Minister of State for Youth Affairs. He made history as the first Arab to participate in a six-month mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS) during Expedition 69. The longest Arab space mission in history included his unprecedented achievement as the first Arab to conduct a spacewalk, which lasted 7 hours and 1 minute.
Education
Dr. AlNeyadi holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electronics and Communications Engineering from the University of Brighton in the UK. He later earned a Master of Science degree in Information Technology from Griffith University in Australia, followed by a Ph.D. in Information Technology.
Experience
Dr. AlNeyadi began his professional career in the UAE Armed Forces, specialising in network security engineering. In 2017, he was selected as one of the first astronauts under the UAE Astronaut Programme, alongside Hazzaa AlMansoori. Launched by H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the programme marked a significant step in the UAE’s space ambitions. His appointment to the UAE Cabinet in January 2024 further demonstrated his leadership and contributions to national progress.
Missions and Training
Historic Milestones
Dr. AlNeyadi’s six-month mission during Expedition 69 was a landmark achievement, making him the first Arab to undertake such a prolonged mission aboard the ISS. His spacewalk of 7 hours and 1 minute added another historic milestone, symbolising the UAE’s growing presence in global space exploration.