Record-Breaking Saudi Pilot, Captain Mishaal Al-Sudairy, Launches Inspiring Memoir at Riyadh International Book Fair

 Captain Mishaal Al-Sudairy, the first Saudi Arabian to fly solo around the world, officially launched his memoir, ‘Flying Around the World Solo in 26 Days’, today at the Riyadh International Book Fair. The book offers a deeply personal and detailed account of courage, determination, and global exploration, underscoring the power of lifelong passion.

The book chronicles Captain Al-Sudairy’s extraordinary 26-day circumnavigation aboard his Diamond DA42 aircraft, covering over 20,000 nautical miles across multiple continents.

A Journey of Record and Resilience

The solo expedition, which began on June 8, 2024, saw Captain Al-Sudairy fly West to East, navigating diverse and challenging landscapes. His route included stops in India, Thailand, Vietnam, Taiwan, Japan, Russia, and an iconic fly-in to the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh airshow in Wisconsin, USA. The return leg traversed Canada, Greenland, Iceland, Northern Ireland, England, Austria, and Crete before culminating in his safe arrival back in Riyadh. The demanding journey required landings at 30 airports, with the aircraft—fitted with essential survival equipment, a satellite phone, and an oxygen generator—relying on precise planning and execution.

Captain Al-Sudairy, an adventurer, motorcycle enthusiast, and member of the Saudi Aviation Club, took up flying later in life at age 52, just six years before this record-breaking feat.

“It brings me great pleasure to share my story through this book, and hope it inspires people of all ages,” said Captain Mishaal Al-Sudairy. “There is no age too young or old to start flying. Aviation is a powerful hobby; it teaches discipline, builds strong habits and instills a lasting work ethic. It crosses generations and brings people together in a way that few other passions can.”

Availability and Distribution

‘Flying Around the World Solo in 26 Days’ is currently published in paperback in Arabic by Kitabouna and is available at the Riyadh International Book Fair. An English edition is planned for release by the end of the year, with the publisher currently establishing an extensive global distribution network to make the inspiring story accessible to readers worldwide.

About Captain Mishaal Al-Sudairy:

Captain Mishaal Al-Sudairy is a pioneering Saudi pilot, adventurer, and author. He is the first Saudi Arabian to complete a solo flight around the world. He is a lifetime member of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) and a passionate advocate for grassroots aviation.

About the Riyadh International Book Fair:

The Riyadh International Book Fair is the largest and most significant cultural and publishing event in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, bringing together local and international publishers, authors, and readers.