Saudi Press

Saudi Arabia and the world
Sunday, May 11, 2025

I’m proud to take with me dreams of Saudi and Arab women to space: Barnawi

I’m proud to take with me dreams of Saudi and Arab women to space: Barnawi

Saudi astronauts Rayyanah Barnawi and Ali Al-Qarni revealed that their preparations and readiness are complete for their International Space Station (ISS) scientific mission scheduled for May 21.
The announcement came during Tuesday’s Axiom Space press conference during the quarantine period for the flight’s crew, which includes US astronauts Peggy Whitson and John Shoffner.

The two Saudi astronauts confirmed that they were ready to implement the journey’s objectives and noted its historical importance to the people and leadership of the Kingdom, as it is anticipated to launch a new phase for the Kingdom in space and contribute to inspiring future generations.

They also expressed gratitude and appreciation for the wise leadership that believed in the capabilities of Saudi youth and provided them with all resources necessary to excel through the Kingdom’s programs for astronauts under the supervision of the Saudi Space Commission.

“We are very enthusiastic to blast off to space and bring off historic achievements to our country and to the entire humanity,” Barnawi said in response to reporters’ questions.

“We believe that science is limitless, and we will pursue our mission to the International Space Station with that principle being the basis. We will search, explore, and participate in building a bright future for humanity.”

“I have been working in scientific and medical research for ten years, and I am very proud to represent the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as the first Arab Muslim female astronaut, especially now when we are just a few days before our launch into space,” Barnawi said.

Asked what she will take to space, Barnawi replied, “I am so proud to take with me the dreams of Saudi and Arab women to space, and I am here because of the Saudi leadership’s support.

“I feel very excited each time I remember I am going to space and seeing the dream of my life coming true. Knowing that I am going to space, my grandmother gifted me a pair of more than 60 years old earnings.”

“As Saudis, we usually enjoy an honorable presence in all fields of scientific progress. We will be, Allah willing, an extension for the homeland’s accomplishments in our coming journey,” said Saudi astronaut Al-Qarni.

“We feel proud and excited because it will be our first time going to the International Space Station,” Al-Qarni said. “We look forward to conducting and applying scientific experiments with students during our mission,” he added.

The Saudi astronaut said he has been working as a pilot in the Air Force throughout his career. “Now I am looking forward to performing experiments in space,” he affirmed.

Al-Qarni said that his scientific knowledge would allow him to work on the cloud-seeding experiment in space and test its effectiveness and impact on humanity. “My feelings about this new experience are indescribable,” he stated.

Al-Qarni hailed the training environment provided by Saudi Arabia as a “motivator for us to make achievements in various fields. We thank the wise leadership, my family, and all the agencies and partners for their support to make this scientific journey a success.”

The historic space mission confirms the Kingdom’s commitment to supporting space exploration efforts, encouraging relevant practical research, and strengthening its people’s role in space programs and scientific and technological fields.

The Saudi commitment in this regard aims to achieve the objectives of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which seeks to highlight the Kingdom’s role in the space sector and its technologies.
Newsletter

Related Articles

Saudi Press
0:00
0:00
Close
Trump's Upcoming Visit to Gulf Nations: Investment and Security at the Forefront
Cardinal Robert Prevost Elected as Pope Leo XIV, Marking a Historic Papacy
India-Pakistan conflict may be first test for Chinese military tech
Bill Gates Announces Plan to Wind Down Philanthropic Foundation and Disperse Wealth
Common Sense Returns to Britain's Legal System: UK Supreme Court Declares a Woman Is… a Woman
Warren Buffett to Step Down as Berkshire CEO After Nearly 60 Years
Trump Shares AI-Generated Image of Himself as… Pope, Prompting Outrage Reaction
Amazon Launches Satellite Internet Service Amidst Competition with SpaceX
The Rush to the White Gold: Global Investment Surge in Natural Hydrogen Exploration
Trump Administration Removes National Security Adviser Mike Waltz Amid Signal Chat Controversy
Liverpool Clinches Record-Equalling 20th English League Title Under Arne Slot
Massive Explosion at Iran's Bandar Abbas Port Linked to Suspicious Chemical Shipments
Pope Francis Laid to Rest in Rome as World Leaders Attend Funeral
Not Child’s Play: How Competitive Gaming Became a Global Economic Empire
California Surpasses Japan to Become the World’s Fourth-Largest Economy
Former U.S. Congressman George Santos sentenced to eighty-seven months for wide-ranging fraud
Israel Considers Limited Strikes on Iran's Nuclear Facilities Amid Diplomatic Efforts
Saudi Arabia Offers Max Verstappen Unprecedented Deal to Join Aston Martin
Global Pistachio Shortage Amid Rising Demand for 'Dubai Chocolate'
IMF Predicts No Global Recession Amid Trade Tensions
Worldwide Markets Decline as U.S.-China Trade Frictions Intensify
OpenAI Lands Unprecedented $40 Billion Investment
Removing the Political Adversary is Dismantling What's Remaining of Turkey's Economy.
Ex-FIFA President and French Football Icon Acquitted of Corruption Allegations
White House Investigates Security Breach After Journalist Accidentally Added to Secret Yemen Strike Chat
Volunteers in Jeddah Ensure No One Goes Hungry During Ramadan Iftar
New Restaurant Opens in Makkah's Iconic Clock Tower for Ramadan Iftar
Saudi Arabia's Project Masam Removes 552 Houthi Mines in Yemen
Saudi Arabia Fines Over 400 Foreign Trucks for Regulatory Violations
Saudi National Campaign for Charitable Work Reports Significant Donations in Ramadan
Historic Al-Hosn Al-Asfal Mosque Restored in Asir as Part of National Heritage Initiative
KSrelief Expands Humanitarian Efforts in Syria, Sudan, and Lebanon
Saudi Arabia Advocates for Global Water Cooperation at Forum
Madinah Governor Tours Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah
Saudi Foreign Minister in Cairo to Lead Meeting on Gaza Developments
Recognition of Saudi and Pakistani Entrepreneurs at Riyadh Ceremony
UAE Announces $1.4 Trillion Investment Plan in the United States
Saudi Arabia Innovates in Soil Quality and Water Conservation
Governor of Taif Engages with Rose and Aromatic Plants Cooperative
Saudi Food and Drug Authority Enhances Preparations for Hajj Season
Saudi Arabia Distributes Aid to Yemen and Romania
Restoration of Historic Al-Qalaah Mosque in Riyadh Underlines Heritage Preservation Efforts
Saudi Arabia Arrests Over 25,000 for Immigration Violations in One Week
UAE’s ADQ and Energy Capital Partners Announce $25 Billion Energy Venture in the U.S.
KSrelief Launches Extensive Ramadan Food Aid Initiative
Ramadan Celebrations Revitalize Historic Jeddah
Makkah Authorities Urge Worshippers to Follow Crowd Management Guidelines
Direct Flights Between Dammam and Damascus Reestablished for Syrian Residents
Saudi Main Index Rises to Close at 11,760 Amid Mixed Market Performance
Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch Visits Prophet's Mosque in Madinah
×