Hazzaa Al Mansoori, the first Emirati astronaut, along with astronauts Nick Hague and Aleksey Ovchinin, arrived in Star City in Moscow and were greeted by their family and friends.

The astronauts’ health will be monitored by doctors in the post flight rehabilitation complex.

Hazzaa returned to earth safely, after completing his eight-day scientific mission aboard the International Space Station.

During a press conference at the Kazakhstan airport, he said that he is very proud to be representing his country, the UAE and the Arab world as a whole. He has gained a lot of knowledge.

The astronauts appeared in the national dress of Kazakhstan, and was given Matryoshka dolls, which printed with image of the respective astronauts as a souvenir.

Hazzaa responded to how he felt when he saw the land on the way back, he said he does not have words to express it. It was a breathtaking view…” The Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan spoke to the mother of Emirati astronaut.

Sheikh Hamdan expressed the happiness of Hazzaa’s safe return and praised her for raising him.

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority chief Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer expressed great pride with Hazzaa’s return to earth.

Al Tayer said, “We thank God for the safe return of Emirati astronaut, Hazzaa Al Mansoori, from the International Space Station. We congratulate our wise leadership for this historic achievement, and all the people of the UAE on this leading milestone when the first Emirati astronaut raised the UAE’s flag and ‘Zayed’s Ambition’ at the International Space Station. This marks the beginning of a new era for the UAE to compete in the space sector and promote a knowledge-based economy. AlMansoori has become a role model for young Emirati men and women, encouraging them to take interest in this promising sector and participate in space exploration to enhance the UAE’s competitiveness in this field.

“This achievement of the first Arab astronaut going to the International Space Station, confirms the futuristic vision of our wise leadership that puts investment in Emiratis and empowering young people at the top of its priorities, providing them with an environment that helps them achieve their ambitions. This follows the footsteps of our late founding father, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may his soul rest in peace, who encouraged the UAE’s men and women to excel in all fields. On their part, Emirati youth are committed to achieving the vision of the wise leadership and have proved that they are capable of achieving leadership in all areas. I take this opportunity to congratulate the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre and commend their efforts, in establishing a sustainable, advanced science and technology sector that will strengthen the UAE’s leading position in space science and technology.” Hazzaa was received by Salem Al Marri, head of the UAE Astronaut Programme, as well as Saeed Karmostaji, the Astronauts office manager at MBRSC, and a specialised international medical team. The astronauts were then taken to a health camp.

Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), Yousuf Hamad Al Shaibani, Director-General of MBRSC and team members from MBRSC, followed the landing procedure of Hazza and his crew mates from the Roscosmos Mission Control Centre, MCC, in Moscow.

Cosmonaut Ovchinin and astronaut Al Mansoori were then transferred to Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre, GCTC, in Star City, Moscow, where Dr Hanan Al Suwaidi, the flight surgeon for the mission, did a medical check on Hazzaa.

Hamad Al Mansoori said, “Today, we are proud to welcome the UAE’s ambassador to space, Hazza Al Mansoori, back to Earth. He carries with him knowledge, experience, and the results of scientific experiments conducted aboard the ISS. These experiments will enrich human knowledge, as well as the global scientific community, and pave the way for Arab youth to have new dreams and ambitions in this leading sector.” During his stay aboard the ISS, Al Mansoori received a call from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, while His Highness was visiting the MBRSC.