KUWAIT CITY, Oct 7: In a symbolic gesture celebrating regional cooperation in space exploration, the UAE Ambassador to Kuwait, Dr. Matar Al-Neyadi, on Tuesday officially handed over a collection of space mission memorabilia to the Space Museum at the Sheikh Abdullah Al Salem Cultural Centre.

The handover included the Emirati astronaut’s spacesuit, the iconic "Zayed Ambition" ("Tomooh Zayed") mission logo, and other items from the UAE’s historic 2019 space mission, all presented by the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC). The event was attended by the Director General of the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS), Dr. Amina Farhan.

Speaking to reporters during the ceremony, Dr. Al-Neyadi expressed pride in the strong cooperation and coordination between the UAE and Kuwait in the space sector. He praised the Cultural Centre's decision to display the items and screen documentaries of the UAE’s space journey, calling it a source of inspiration for Gulf youth and a potential springboard for an inclusive Gulf space program.

“This initiative reflects the strategic importance the UAE places on the space sector,” Al-Neyadi said. “Investing in, studying, and specializing in this field will open vast horizons for future generations.”

He noted that the UAE and Kuwait already share joint programs in space, emphasizing the role of collaboration in advancing the Gulf’s scientific capabilities.

The donated memorabilia also includes video clips of the journey to the International Space Station (ISS) by Emirati astronaut and Minister of State for Youth, Dr. Sultan Al-Neyadi, as well as footage of astronaut training sessions. These materials are now featured in the museum’s “Galaxy Crosser” hall, which explores the history of space science in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.

During a tour of the museum, Ambassador Al-Neyadi and Dr. Farhan viewed updates made to the "Space Exploration" hall, presented by museum representative Khaled Al Jumaan. The new exhibits highlight Emirati contributions to space, including personal items and mission insignias from UAE astronauts.

The Sheikh Abdullah Al Salem Cultural Centre, recognized as one of the region’s foremost scientific and cultural institutions, houses several specialized museums, including the Space Museum—an interactive platform designed to educate and engage visitors with the wonders of space science and astronomy.

This latest initiative marks a continuation of the growing partnership between the MBRSC and the Sheikh Abdullah Al Salem Cultural Centre in showcasing the UAE’s advancements in space exploration.

A photo of the UAE Ambassador, Dr. Al-Neyadi, and KFAS Director Dr. Farhan touring the Space Museum.

Emirati astronaut's suit

Exhibits at the Space Museum featuring the UAE space mission.