Abu Dhabi landmarks were lit up on Sunday night in celebration of Emirati astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi's impending return to the UAE.
The Adnoc headquarters, Mubadala Tower, Khalifa University and Marina Mall's observation tower were illuminated with images of the trailblazing explorer.
Dr Al Neyadi will make his long-awaited homecoming on Monday following a six-month mission aboard the International Space Station.
He is set for a hero's welcome after making history during his time in space.
Dr Al Neyadi completed the UAE’s second human space flight and the Arab world’s first long-term mission.
He also became the first Arab astronaut to perform a spacewalk, spending more than six hours outside of the ISS to carry out key maintenance work.
People can tune into a live-stream of his return to the UAE from 5.30pm at mbrsc.ae/live/ and on YouTube.
Since his return to Earth on September 4, Dr Al Neyadi has been part of an intensive recovery programme in Houston, Texas, to aid him in readapting to gravity.
During his time on the ISS, Dr Al Neyadi conducted science lessons in both English and Arabic, reaching young audiences globally and inspiring a new generation of space enthusiasts.
In a tweet posted on Sunday, Dr Al Neyadi said this has been the experience of a lifetime.
“After returning to Earth, it's time to come home. I look forward to seeing you all tomorrow in our beloved UAE,” he wrote.
Sultan Al Neyadi in space – in pictures
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Sultan Al Neyadi gives the thumbs up after leaving the Dragon capsule. Photo: Nasa -
Sultan Al Neyadi with, from left, Russian cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev, NASA astronaut Warren Hoburg and fellow US astronaut Stephen Bowen, inside the SpaceX Dragon capsule, on the recovery ship Megan, after splashdown. Photo: Nasa -
Ground crew enter the SpaceX Dragon capsule. Photo: Nasa -
The SpaceX capsule is lifted out of the water. Photo: Nasa -
Support teams work around the SpaceX Dragon capsule shortly after splashdown. Photo: Nasa -
The SpaceX Dragon capsule's parachutes are deployed to slow its descent. Photo: Nasa -
The SpaceX Dragon capsule travels back towards Earth. Photo: Nasa -
The International Space Station as seen by the SpaceX Dragon capsule after undocking. Photo: Nasa -
The rockets of the SpaceX Dragon capsule's firing immediately after leaving the International Space Station. Photo: Nasa -
A graphic published by Nasa to illustrate the SpaceX Dragon capsule's trajectory immediately after leaving the International Space Station. Photo: Nasa -
The Dragon capsule moves away from the International Space Station after undocking. The white light in the centre is an interior light of the capsule. Photo: Nasa -
The SpaceX Dragon capsule docked on the International Space Station. Photo: Nasa -
Ground control before the mission. Photo: Nasa -
Sultan Al Neyadi puts on his space suit before departing the International Space Station. Photo: Nasa -
The SpaceX Dragon capsule being prepared for departure from the International Space Station. Photo: Nasa -
Sultan Al Neyadi looks at Earth from the International Space Station before leaving. Photo: Sultan Al Neyadi / Twitter -
The Mubadala building in Abu Dhabi is lit up to mark Sultan Al Neyadi's return to Earth from the International Space Station. Photo: Abu Dhabi Media Office -
The Mubadala building is lit up to mark Sultan Al Neyadi's return to Earth from the International Space Station. Photo: Abu Dhabi Media Office
