UAE astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi has said he is “ready for his next mission” after returning to Earth from a six-month mission to the International Space Station (ISS).
Salem Al Marri, director general of the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) said in a social media post on Wednesday that he had met Dr Al Neyadi and he was in “great health”.
“The first thing he said to me was, 'I am ready for the next mission',” he wrote on X, formerly Twitter, on Wednesday.
“This embodies the spirit of the UAE Astronaut Programme. I am very excited for what's next. Stay tuned.”
The Emirati astronaut is currently in Houston, Texas, undergoing medical tests before returning to the UAE to receive a hero's welcome.
Dr Al Neyadi spent six months aboard the ISS and travelled back to Earth on Monday in a SpaceX capsule, a journey that took 17 hours.
This was the UAE's second human space flight and the Arab world's first long-term mission. Dr Al Neyadi also became the first Arab astronaut to perform a spacewalk.
Earlier on Wednesday, Dr Al Neyadi posted his first message after returning to Earth.
“I write to you with gravity under my feet and warmth in my heart from all the love and support you all have shared,” he wrote on X.
“Thank you all for being part of this journey with me. Friends, I am in good health and looking forward to meeting you all very soon.”
Dr Al Neyadi landed off the coast of Jacksonville, Florida, at 8.17am UAE time on September 4.
Sultan Al Neyadi returns to Earth after six months – in pictures
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The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre turbo
Power: 181hp
Torque: 230Nm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Starting price: Dh79,000
On sale: Now
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
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RESULT
Liverpool 4 Southampton 0
Jota (2', 32')
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Man of the match: Diogo Jota (Liverpool)
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What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
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Pharaoh's curse
British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened.
He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia.
Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”.
Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.
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GAC GS8 Specs
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Why are asylum seekers being housed in hotels?
The number of asylum applications in the UK has reached a new record high, driven by those illegally entering the country in small boats crossing the English Channel.
A total of 111,084 people applied for asylum in the UK in the year to June 2025, the highest number for any 12-month period since current records began in 2001.
Asylum seekers and their families can be housed in temporary accommodation while their claim is assessed.
The Home Office provides the accommodation, meaning asylum seekers cannot choose where they live.
When there is not enough housing, the Home Office can move people to hotels or large sites like former military bases.
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MATCH INFO
Real Madrid 2
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Our legal consultants
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
