Emirati astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi has begun his journey back to the UAE for a long-awaited homecoming after his historic six-month mission in space.
Dr Al Neyadi shared a group photo on social media on Monday morning of himself and his travelling party in front of the UAE plane flying him back to the Emirates.
The space traveller is set to receive a hero's welcome when he sets foot on home soil after helping to inspire a new generation of enthusiasts with his achievements.
“We entrust you to God. [We're on our way back] to the beloved United Arab Emirates,” Dr Al Neyadi wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
The explorer blasted back to Earth on September 4, since when he has been taking part in a recovery programme in Houston, Texas, to help him get used to gravity again.
Dr Al Neyadi is being joined on the momentous journey home by Hazza Al Mansouri, who was the first Emirati to venture into space in 2019.
The nose of the government aircraft is inscribed with Al Ain, Dr Al Neyadi's hometown.
Abu Dhabi landmarks were lit up on Sunday night in celebration of Dr Al Neyadi's return.
The Adnoc headquarters, Mubadala Tower, Khalifa University and Marina Mall's observation tower were illuminated with images of the explorer.
People can tune into a live-stream of his return to the UAE from 5.30pm at mbrsc.ae/live/ and on YouTube.
Normcore explained
Something of a fashion anomaly, normcore is essentially a celebration of the unremarkable. The term was first popularised by an article in New York magazine in 2014 and has been dubbed “ugly”, “bland’ and "anti-style" by fashion writers. It’s hallmarks are comfort, a lack of pretentiousness and neutrality – it is a trend for those who would rather not stand out from the crowd. For the most part, the style is unisex, favouring loose silhouettes, thrift-shop threads, baseball caps and boyish trainers. It is important to note that normcore is not synonymous with cheapness or low quality; there are high-fashion brands, including Parisian label Vetements, that specialise in this style. Embraced by fashion-forward street-style stars around the globe, it’s uptake in the UAE has been relatively slow.
THE BIO
Favourite car: Koenigsegg Agera RS or Renault Trezor concept car.
Favourite book: I Am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes or Red Notice by Bill Browder.
Biggest inspiration: My husband Nik. He really got me through a lot with his positivity.
Favourite holiday destination: Being at home in Australia, as I travel all over the world for work. It’s great to just hang out with my husband and family.
The specs: 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor
Price, base / as tested Dh220,000 / Dh320,000
Engine 3.5L V6
Transmission 10-speed automatic
Power 421hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque 678Nm @ 3,750rpm
Fuel economy, combined 14.1L / 100km
MATCH INFO
Manchester United 1 (Fernandes pen 2') Tottenham Hotspur 6 (Ndombele 4', Son 7' & 37' Kane (30' & pen 79, Aurier 51')
Man of the match Son Heung-min (Tottenham)
Tips to avoid getting scammed
1) Beware of cheques presented late on Thursday
2) Visit an RTA centre to change registration only after receiving payment
3) Be aware of people asking to test drive the car alone
4) Try not to close the sale at night
5) Don't be rushed into a sale
6) Call 901 if you see any suspicious behaviour
