Table of Contents
- He was the first Arab Muslim astronaut, flying aboard NASA’s Space Shuttle Discovery in 1985.
- He now serves as an advisor to King Salman and leads major cultural and tourism projects across Saudi Arabia.
Prince Sultan Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud is not just a member of Saudi Arabia’s royal family. He is an astronaut, a humanitarian, and a strong supporter of tourism, heritage, and aviation.
As the first Arab Muslim astronaut, Prince Sultan has helped shape Saudi Arabia’s culture and is a trusted advisor to the King. His life has been focused on service, innovation, and leadership.
Who is Prince Sultan Bin Salman
Prince Sultan was born in Riyadh in 1956. He is part of the Saudi royal family. He is the grandson of King Abdulaziz, who started modern Saudi Arabia, and the son of King Salman, the current king.
He studied social and political sciences at Syracuse University in the U.S. and got his master’s degree in 1999.
Space History: First Arab in Space
In June 1985, Prince Sultan made history by flying aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery (STS-51G) as a payload specialist. He was sent to space on behalf of the Arab Satellite Communications Organization (Arabsat).
This mission made him:
- ✅ The first Arab in space
- ✅ The first Muslim in space
- ✅ The youngest person at the time to go to space (28 years old)
For his role, NASA awarded him the Space Flight Medal, and he became a symbol of pride for the entire Arab world.
A Lifelong Passion for Aviation
Before becoming an astronaut, Prince Sultan was already an experienced pilot. He started flying in 1976 and has logged over 8,000 hours in the air. He holds pilot licenses from:
- United States
- Saudi Arabia
- France
He served in the Royal Saudi Air Force as a fighter pilot and retired with the rank of colonel in 1996 . In 2001, he founded the Saudi Aviation Club (SAC) to promote aviation in the Kingdom.
Shaping Saudi Tourism & Heritage
Prince Sultan played a major role in developing Saudi Arabia’s tourism and cultural heritage sectors:
- Appointed Secretary-General of the Supreme Commission for Tourism in 2000.
- Chaired the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage from 2008 to 2018.
- Led efforts to place important Saudi sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List .
- Promoted cultural events like Souq Okaz and helped preserve historic areas such as Diriyah and AlUla .
His work helped change how people around the world see Saudi Arabia, not just as a land of deserts and oil, but as a home to rich culture and ancient history.
Championing Science, Education & Disability Rights
Prince Sultan has long supported science and education:
- Founded and chairs the King Salman Center for Disability Research (KSCDR) since 1992.
- Served as chairman of the Children with Disabilities Association for over 20 years.
- Launched the Prince Sultan Bin Salman Chair for Mosque Architecture at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University.
His work in disability care has earned him international recognition, including the Arab Leadership Award in Caring for the Disabled in 2016.
Leading Saudi Arabia into Space
In 2018, Prince Sultan was appointed as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Space Agency, helping shape the country’s future in space exploration.
Advisor to the King
In 2021, His Majesty King Salman appointed Prince Sultan as an Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, a position of great trust and responsibility.
Honors and Awards
Over the years, Prince Sultan has received many awards for his contributions :
- NASA Space Flight Medal (1985)
- King Abdulaziz Sash (1985)
- Sheikh Fahad Al Ahmad Al Sabah International Charity Award (2010)
- King Leopold Medal (Belgium, 2014)
- UNWTO Lifetime Achievement Award (2017)
Final Thoughts
Prince Sultan Bin Salman is not just a royal or an astronaut; he is a visionary who has worked hard to improve Saudi Arabia in many areas. He has traveled to space, preserved heritage, and supported people with disabilities, leaving a legacy that inspires future generations.
Prince Sultan’s story shows us that one person can really make a difference in space and on Earth, whether we care about space, culture, or leadership.
Stay Updated
🔔 Follow us for latest news and guides:
✅ WhatsApp Channel
☑️ Telegram Channel
Related Articles:
- History of Saudi Arabia: A Comprehensive Guide
- Prince Khalid al-Faisal
- Arabian Camel: A Comprehensive Guide
- Ancient Pottery Vessel: A Best Historical Guide
