KUWAIT: UAE astronaut and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Dr Sultan Al-Neyadi delivered a lecture on Tuesday at the headquarters of the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS), during a special visit upon the foundation’s invitation. In his talk, he highlighted his pioneering experience and achievements in space exploration.
Dr Al-Neyadi’s lecture, attended by the UAE Ambassador to Kuwait Dr Matar Al-Neyadi, astronauts Mohammed Al-Mulla and Nora Al-Matrooshi, as well as a number of KFAS officials and space research enthusiasts, focused on his participation in the longest Arab space mission, which lasted six months aboard the International Space Station (ISS). He also discussed becoming the first Arab astronaut to perform a spacewalk, sharing scientific and operational insights from his journey. Topics included space exploration, scientific advancements and key milestones from the mission, including over 200 scientific experiments in microgravity across areas such as plant growth and sleep physiology.
Astronaut Al-Mulla also shared his journey, which began as the youngest pilot in Dubai Police at age 19, followed by his selection into the UAE Astronaut Program in 2021 and his graduation from NASA’s training program in March 2024. His training included spacewalk preparation and ISS systems. Astronaut Al-Matrooshi spoke about her passion for science, math and engineering. She described how being chosen as the first Emirati and Arab woman in the UAE Astronaut Program was a pivotal moment in her professional and academic journey. She applied to the program in 2021 and was selected from over 4,000 applicants. After intensive training in spacewalking and robotics, she graduated in 2024, becoming qualified for future space missions.
The event also featured members of the team behind Kuwait’s first satellite (KuwaitSat-1), students from Kuwait University and students from the Sabah Al Ahmad Center for Giftedness and Creativity, which operates under KFAS. Dr Al-Neyadi’s visit included panel discussions on the future of space research, coinciding with KFAS’s recent announcement of the launch of the “Kuwait Space Research Center”. The center’s future aspirations were presented, aiming to promote scientific research and develop national capabilities in space sciences.
KFAS expressed its pride in hosting this inspirational event, emphasizing that Dr Al-Neyadi’s visit was a unique opportunity for attendees — especially Kuwaiti youth — to learn from a one-of-a-kind experience that highlighted the role of science in building a sustainable future. The foundation praised the fruitful collaboration with the United Arab Emirates, which reflects both nations’ commitment to advancing innovation and leadership in science and technology.
KFAS reaffirmed its dedication to promoting interest in space and scientific research by hosting leading experts and pioneers in the field, with the goal of inspiring future generations and strengthening Kuwait’s role in space science and technology.
In his lecture, Dr Al-Neyadi emphasized the importance of such visits in promoting strong fraternal ties between the two countries. He noted that the establishment of the Kuwait Space Research Center will serve as a vital contributor to the region’s scientific journey and a source of inspiration for future generations interested in space sciences. He commended Kuwait’s serious vision in making meaningful scientific contributions for the benefit of humanity. This event is part of KFAS’s broader efforts to enhance scientific awareness and encourage youth to explore fields of science and space, in line with its vision to support innovation and technological advancement in Kuwait and the region.
