A new children's book written by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, was launched by UAE astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi from orbit on Friday.
In what is believed to be the first event of its kind, Dr Al Neyadi posted a video on social media announcing the release of The Journey From the Desert to the Stars.
The book recounts the journey of Sheikh Mohammed through five stories that mark milestones in his career and the development and achievements of the UAE since it was established in 1971.
Announcing the launch of the book, Dr Al Neyadi read an extract in Arabic from one of the five stories featured in the book, My First Teacher, from the International Space Station.
“I’m sharing this with you today from space about the launch of the book by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum,” said Dr Al Neyadi.
“The book tells important stories of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's childhood and the beginnings of the UAE.
“It features inspiring tales from His Highness's life, presented in an engaging manner, brimming with hope and ambition, and aimed at children in the UAE and worldwide.”
Dr Al Neyadi said the country's ambitions in space can be traced back to UAE Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
“In one of the stories, His Highness discusses the UAE's space journey that commenced during the time of the late Sheikh Zayed. I am honoured to contribute to the realisation of this vision,” said Dr Al Neyadi.
Sheikh Mohammed, in his second children’s book, offers young readers some of the valuable lessons he learnt through experiences during his childhood and youth that shaped his values and outlook on life.
“The beginning of any transformative endeavour is unforgettable; it lingers in your mind and leaves a lasting impression,” Sheikh Mohammed writes in the opening of the book.
Mona Al Marri, director general of the Dubai Media Office, said the book weaves significant moments from Sheikh Mohammed's life with significant events in the UAE's history.
The five stories include The Northern Tent, which tells the story surrounding the UAE's foundation in 1971.
My First Journey recounts Sheikh Mohammed's first visit to London with his father, the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed, and how this experience inspired his involvement in the establishment of international airports and Emirates airline.
In The Secrets of the Sea, Sheikh Mohammed speaks about his deep connection with the ocean, which inspired the foundation of Dubai’s ports and DP World.
Other stories include First Place, in which Sheikh Mohammed speaks about Burj Khalifa and the passion instilled in him by his father.
My First Teacher reflects on his connection with the sky and stars, and how his dream of helping Emiratis travel to space became a reality with the successful launch of the UAE’s space missions.
Meanwhile, Al Ain native Dr Al Neyadi will depart the ISS in the coming days, after a six-month mission that began on March 3.
The return to Earth has been delayed by bad weather, Nasa announced on Friday.
Dr Al Neyadi, together with Nasa astronauts Stephen Bowen and Woody Hoburg and Russian cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev, were scheduled to return on Sunday.
However, “unfavourable conditions near the splashdown site” off the coast of Florida mean the return will be delayed by at least 24 hours.
Mission teams were to meet on Friday evening to discuss the viability of the next slot for the return.
