The U.S. Embassy Space Celebration marks 248 years of American independence
Press release
For immediate publication
US Embassy
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
April 25, 2024
The U.S. Embassy’s Space Celebration marks 248 years of American independence with a shared U.S.-Saudi vision for space exploration
The Embassy of the United States of America marked the 248th anniversary of the independence of the United States of America with a celebration hosted by U.S. Ambassador Michael Ratney at the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh on April 25. The Ambassador welcomed the guest of honor, His Highness Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf, Mayor of Riyadh Region, senior Saudi officials and hundreds of Saudi guests as well as visitors from Washington, including members of the US Congress.
The Independence Day reception, themed “Space,” served as a symbolic celebration of the future of U.S.-Saudi space cooperation and highlighted the profound benefits and opportunities of space exploration, research and commercial development. The event, decorated with spaceships, planets, astronauts and a lunar art installation, evoked nostalgia for past achievements such as the 1969 moon landing while highlighting ongoing advances in space science, particularly commercial space exploration. Ambassador Ratney said the theme reflects the “shared ambition of the United States and Saudi Arabia to capitalize on opportunities in space and position both countries as pioneers in this area of innovation.”
Additionally, the reception highlighted the transformative potential of private sector engagement in space. In his remarks, the ambassador highlighted Saudi space pioneers such as His Royal Highness Prince Sultan bin Salman and young astronauts such as Rayanah Barnawi and Ali al-Qarni. Through partnership and collaboration, both nations aim to exploit the commercial and research opportunities in space and usher in a future in which space exploration is not just a dream but a tangible reality with far-reaching implications for humanity. From the emergence of new technologies to advances in healthcare to promoting a more sustainable global environment, the possibilities in space exploration are as endless as space itself.
A highlight of the evening was the art installation “Museum of the Moon” by artist Luke Jerram, which featured full-scale, high-resolution NASA images of the lunar surface. Additionally, more than 56 donors contributed to the event, and guests enjoyed flying and learning from a Boeing F-15EX simulator US companies Axiom and Sierra Space signed letters of intent with the Saudi Space Agency in November 2023.
With a history spanning eight decades, cooperation between the United States and Saudi Arabia continues to advance shared interests in diplomacy, trade, culture and more. The United States remains committed to strengthening shared U.S. and Saudi interests in security and promoting prosperity in the region, while exploring new avenues for partnerships in areas such as arts, education, entertainment and tourism. Both countries are willing to explore further cooperation, including potential joint ventures in space, reflecting the vision of an even stronger U.S.-Saudi relationship in the future.
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