Prof. Al-Mailem: Kuwait University Welcomes the Visit of UAE Astronauts to Their Second Home, Kuwait, in Support of Empowering the Next Generation in the Field of Space Sciences
Under the patronage and in the presence of President of Kuwait University, Prof. Dina Musaed Al-Mailem, and with the support of Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS), the Faculty of Science at Kuwait University—represented by the Department of Physics—held an exhibition of science project activities for middle and high school students, marking the conclusion of the "Journey to Space" program. The event was organized in collaboration with the College of Education and with the participation of the General Directorate of Science Supervision at the Ministry of Education. The exhibition hosted a distinguished delegation of Emirati astronauts, including UAE Minister of State for Youth Affairs Dr. Sultan Saif Al-Neyadi, Mohammed Abdulrahim Al-Mulla, and Nora Eisa Al-Matrooshi, with the attendance of Dr. Matar Hamed Al-Neyadi, UAE Ambassador to the State of Kuwait. The event took place on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at the Faculty of Science in Sabah Al-Salem University City.
The exhibition was attended by Prof. Mohammad Bin Sabt, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Science, Prof. Suzanne Al-Bustan, Acting Vice Dean for Academic Affairs, Research, and Graduate Studies, Dr. Faris Al-Azmi, Acting Vice Dean for Planning, Consultation, and Training, Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Senafi, Acting Vice Dean for Student Affairs, Dr. Hala Al-Jassar, Acting Head of the Department of Physics, Dr. Laila Al-Mousawi, Representative of KFAS, as well as representatives from the General Science Supervision at the Ministry of Education.
On this occasion, Prof. Dina Musaed Al-Mailem, President of Kuwait University, welcomed the Emirati astronauts to their second home, Kuwait, and to the grounds of Kuwait University. She affirmed the university’s commitment to empowering the emerging generation by developing their capabilities in science, technology, and space sciences—fields that are essential in an era marked by rapid advancements in science, alternative energy, and artificial intelligence. This vision aligns with Kuwait’s national strategy to elevate its position among leading countries in scientific and technological fields.
Dr. Sultan Saif Al-Neyadi, astronaut and UAE Minister of State for Youth Affairs, delivered a presentation highlighting the major challenges faced by astronauts during his six-month mission in space—an achievement that made him the first Arab astronaut to spend the longest duration in space.
Astronaut Mohammed Al-Mulla gave an overview of the rigorous training they underwent in preparation for the mission, while all the astronauts delivered motivational messages encouraging students to pursue knowledge and strive to achieve their goals and aspirations.
From the academic side, Dr. Fahad Zaman, faculty member in the Department of Physics, explained that this initiative emerged as a concept to utilize and enhance science activity periods in public schools through an engaging, interactive curriculum in space science. This initiative was a collaboration between the Faculty of Science and the College of Education, represented by Dr. Abdullah Al-Failakawi, and in cooperation with the General Directorate of Science Supervision at the Ministry of Education.
Dr. Zaman added that since October, the team has conducted several training workshops for participating teachers on how to deliver space science education effectively, so they could relay it to their students. He noted that the program aims to highlight the importance of space exploration in line with the country’s strategic direction in this field, while also enhancing interest in science and technology to establish a generation well-versed in space sciences starting from early educational stages. The goal is to solidify scientific knowledge and stimulate curiosity and scientific exploration among school students.
He also noted that the program team—comprised of Dr. Fahad Zaman, Dr. Nasser Bourhama, Dr. Abdullah Al-Failakawi, Huda Al-Askar, Noura Al-Musayree', Khawla Al-Kandari, Hessa Al-Rashdan, and Eng. Abdulrahman Al-Zayadi—worked to build the capacity of Ministry of Education teachers to simplify and present space science interactively during classroom activity periods.