40 YEARS SINCE PRINCE SULTAN'S HISTORIC FLIGHT

As the Arab world embraces new milestones in space, we look back at the pioneering flight that inspired a generation

- BY DR FARHAN M. ASRAR | Special to Gulf News

The remarkable strides made by the UAE and other regional nations in space today can be traced back to a pivotal historical event and an inspiring individual who changed the course of the Muslim and Arab world.

June 17 marks the 40th anniversary of Saudi Arabia's Prince Sultan Bin Salman Al Saud's groundbreaking spaceflight in 1985, which unequivocally demonstrated that the Muslim and Arab world possessed the capability and vision to actively participate in space exploration and leave a lasting mark.

Today, when we bring up the title 'Sultan of Space,' many immediately think of UAE astronaut and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Sultan Al Neyadi, whose historic achievement in 2023 made him the longest-serving Arab in space. However, 38 years before that (and 40 years ago today), Prince Sultan Bin Salman made history. His out-of-this-world experience marked him as the first Muslim and first Arab in space, and his achievement continues to inspire countless individuals and nations across the world.

Born in Riyadh in 1956, the second son of King Salman, Sultan was a distinguished member of the Saudi ruling family. He earned a bachelor's degree in mass communications from the University of Denver and later received a master's degree in social sciences from Syracuse University. He is also an experienced pilot.

A mission of regional pride