{
  "id": 6436047,
  "title": "UAE astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi joins Paris international space summit",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/09/uae-astronaut-sultan-al-neyadi-joins-paris-international-space-summit-6436047",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-09-09T15:02:06.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National Business",
    "slug": "the-national-business",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/europe/2026/09/09/uae-astronaut-sultan-al-neyadi-joins-paris-international-space-summit/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The two-day International Space Summit began in Paris on Wednesday, with only the UAE astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi representing the Middle East, underscoring the nation's growing influence in the field. Al Neyadi, who serves as Minister of State for Youth Affairs, joined the UAE delegation alongside Space Agency chairman Dr Ahmad Al Falasi, both of whom also hold positions as Ministers for other sectors. Acting director of space policy and international relations at the agency, Fatima Al Shamsi, is among the keynote speakers.\n\nSpeaking alongside a panel of international astronauts, Al Neyadi emphasized the rapid expansion of the UAE's space program, attributing it to international collaboration. He highlighted past partnerships with Russia, the US, Japan, and South Korea. Approximately 15 astronauts, primarily from Western nations, are expected to attend, with Italy sending the most with three astronauts. French President Emmanuel Macron initiated the summit to foster global dialogue on space governance and elevate Europe's standing in an industry dominated by competition from the US and China. However, US technology firms withdrew in response to pressure from the White House, which deemed the event pro-European.\n\nEuropean divisions have led to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's absence. France has been advocating for increased European autonomy in space, while Germany remains cautious about embracing SpaceX, the leading launch provider. China, India, Japan, Vietnam, and South Korea are also participating, along with leaders from various other countries. High-level discussions and commercial agreements are anticipated during the summit.\n\nThe UAE's space program, established over two decades ago, has rapidly evolved into a regional powerhouse. In 2023, Al Neyadi spent six months aboard the International Space Station and conducted a spacewalk, becoming the first Arab astronaut to do so. He recently completed NASA's geology training at the US's New Mexico state, as the UAE's space sector prepares for ambitious future missions, such as lunar exploration.",
  "summary": "The UAE's Sultan Al Neyadi is the only Arab astronaut attending the two-day International Space Summit that started in Paris on Wednesday, highlighting the Emirates' rising profile in the sector. Dr Al Neyadi, who is also the Minister of State for Youth Affairs, joined the UAE delegation alongside Space Agency chairman Dr Ahmad Al Falasi , who is also Minister of Sports. Fatima Al Shamsi, the…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National UAE",
        "title": "UAE astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi joins Paris international space summit",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/09/uae-astronaut-sultan-al-neyadi-joins-paris-international-space-summit",
        "published": "2026-09-09T15:02:06.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}