Mashable: Rayyanah Barnawi and Ali Al Qarni also received a warm welcome.

Saudi astronauts, Rayyanah Barnawi and Ali Al Qarni made, finally returned to Earth safely, following their eight-day stay at the International Space Station, reports The National.

The duo made history by becoming the second people to travel and go on a space mission from Saudi during their orbiting outpost. Before them, in 1985, Prince Sultan bin Salman visit space for a week-long trip.

Moreover, Ms Barnawi, a research scientist, became the first Arab woman to be in space at the mere age of 33.

The duo were conducting various experiments, including a few that were pertaining to life sciences and weather technology.

According to reports, the Saudi astronauts were accompanied by two American colleagues, all arriving on Earth via a parachute-assisted descent into the Florida ocean at 7.04 am GST.

The American crew in the Ax-2, Peggy Whitson and John Shoffner, were in space for 12 hours, before they came to Earth at 7am.

I congratulate the Saudi Space Commission, as well as #Ax2 crew on the successful completion of their mission aboard the International Space Station.

The presence of Saudi astronauts @AstroAli11 and @Astro_Rayyanah alongside @Astro_Alneyadi signifies an important progress of the… pic.twitter.com/UA7pRAfmZG

— Salem AlMarri سالم حميد المري (@Salem_HAlMarri) May 31, 2023
The crew was retrieved from the water through a SpaceX boat. Moreover, the Saudi astronauts took a few minutes to adjust to gravity once they began to walk on the shore.

Before her departure, Ms Barnawi emotionally, said, “Every story comes to an end, and this is only the beginning of a new era for our country and our region.”

Meanwhile, UAE astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi, who is staying ISS for six months, sent an emotional farewell tweet. “Safe travels Ax-2 crew. It was a pleasure working with all of you and we have made great memories.

“Ali and Rayyanah, I will surely miss speaking Arabic aboard the ISS. Adieu for now and may our paths cross again.”