News

UAE Astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi Prepares To Return To Earth

The six-month mission aboard the International Space Station will end with a splashdown off the Florida coast on September 3rd.

Published

3 years ago

August 31, 2023

Nour Nasir

uae astronaut sultan al neyadi prepares to return to earth

UAE astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi will end his six-month mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS) on September 3rd, entering the record books for conducting the longest-ever Arab space expedition.

According to NASA, Crew-6 (which includes Al Neyadi), will board a SpaceX Dragon craft before detaching from the ISS on September 2nd. After reentering Earth’s atmosphere, the spacecraft will splashdown off the Florida coast on September 3rd.

In a few days, @Astro_Alneyadi is set to return to Earth after the completion of the longest Arab space mission in history, during which he conducted over 200 scientific experiments.@MBRSpaceCentre pic.twitter.com/yltIwKtSAq

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) August 29, 2023

During his time aboard the International Space Station, Al Neyadi has conducted over 200 scientific experiments, with the latest round of tests forming part of a host-pathogen study. The experiments aim to better understand how the immune systems of astronauts interact with microbial pathogens living within the ISS environment.

The study also explored how dormant pathogens, such as those responsible for chickenpox and shingles, affect immunity once activated.

Adnan Al Rais, the UAE Astronaut Program’s Mission Manager, was keen to emphasize the significance of Al Neyadi’s research in advancing space biology, noting that it could enhance our ability to safeguard future ISS crews and contribute to their healthcare.

Also Read: Abu Dhabi-Developed AI Arabic Language Model Unveiled

Sultan Al Neyadi’s participation in this groundbreaking set of experiments has set a new benchmark for space science. Samples indicating suppressed immune states were also gathered and frozen onboard the ISS in the hope they could eventually offer cures for viral infections back on Earth.

The UAE’s Astronaut Program is part of a wider National Space Program funded by the ICT Fund of the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA). UAE officials hope that space missions will support research and development in the ICT sector and enhance the Emirate’s global presence in this increasingly important field.

Related Topics:NASA Space Sultan Al Neyadi United Arab Emirates

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New Disney+ Streaming App Has Officially Launched In The UAE

The app’s recommendations now factor in what’s popular in the UAE, and a dedicated Junior Mode gives kids their own corner of Disney+.

Published

1 day ago

October 9, 2026

Dana Saadeh

Disney

A new Disney+ app has officially launched in the UAE, and subscribers can now keep watching their favorite titles when they travel. Disney+ says access extends across supported markets in Europe, the United States and beyond.

The app is built around a dynamic homepage and simpler navigation, with recommendations drawn from each customer’s viewing habits and what’s popular in the UAE. Content from Hulu and ESPN is now easier to find alongside Disney+’s own library, the company says. Audio and subtitles come in up to 25 languages, and supported devices get high-quality video and sound.

For families, the app includes Junior Mode, a dedicated, simplified version of Disney+ for younger viewers, built around age-appropriate shows and movies. It sits alongside existing controls such as PIN-protected profiles, customizable content ratings and account notifications when a profile is changed.

The catalog still spans Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, Hulu and FX. Returning series include Season 8 of “The Kardashians,” Season 23 of “Grey’s Anatomy” and Season 38 of “The Simpsons”. Also on the service are the second season of International Emmy and BAFTA Award-winning series “Rivals,” comedy “Only Murders in the Building,” Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Zootropolis 2” and 20th Century Studios’ “Send Help”.

Also Read: Best Video Streaming Services In The Middle East

Marvel Television’s “VisionQuest” is on the way, and Disney’s live-action “Moana” is due later this autumn. Beyond Hollywood, the Turkish title “Halef” is coming to the platform alongside a lineup of Korean entertainment: Korean-Japanese romantic comedy “Merry Berry Love” is streaming now, and “The Remarried Empress” arrives November 4.

Existing subscribers will be prompted to download the new app and sign in with their current credentials, with on-screen steps covering account confirmation and profile setup. Subscriptions start at AED 49.99 per month and can be canceled at any time.

For UAE subscribers planning to travel, the update will likely be well received, but Disney has left one question open. It confirms Europe and the United States as supported markets but doesn’t yet say which others fall under and beyond.