It has been 37 years since Saudi Arabia sent its first and only astronaut into space, but many Saudis remain passionate about space exploration.
Among them is author Mohammad Bahareth, founder of Space Club, a platform formed for enthusiasts across the Arab world to talk about all things outer space.
It has been boosted by Saudi Vision 2030, a strategic programme that has allowed citizens to register clubs that focus on special topics.
Bahareth, 37, received a licence to operate his club last year.
He said the platform was helping to get more Saudis interested in the sector, including space flight, space technology and astronomy.
“We do many lectures and seminars online and anyone who is interested in space is welcome,” he told The National.
“We explain in the Arabic language what is happening around the world in space, such as Chinese projects and the Artemis programme.
“People watch space news on TV, but we’re here to explain what these missions are, their significance and how they can get involved in space, too.”
The club holds events on its website that are watched by more than 6,000 people, mostly in Saudi Arabia, Bahareth said.
The kingdom has a rich history in space exploration, with Prince Sultan bin Salman, an air force fighter pilot, becoming the first Arab in space in 1985.
He was part of a seven-member international crew onboard Nasa's Discovery space shuttle.
“It was a joyful sight that ignited the spark of space passion in every young soul,” Bahareth said.
Prince Sultan was in 2018 named the first chairman of the Saudi Space Commission and served for three years before being appointed special adviser to King Salman.
Prince Sultan has said space exploration will play a vital role in the kingdom's ambitions.
Saudi Arabia has since increased its investment in space, with plans to explore the Moon and Mars.
Bahareth, whose lifelong dream is to become an astronaut, said he expected the kingdom to launch an astronaut programme.
“They [the Saudi Space Commission] are always surprising us with good news,” he said.
Saudi Arabia’s increased focus on space will help its citizens to pursue careers in the sector.
Ghaida Aloumi, 33, is the founder AstroGeeks, a club and social media page for space enthusiasts. She graduated from university in 2011 with a bachelor of arts degree.
She wanted to study a space-related field, but that was not possible at Saudi universities at the time.
“Back then, space was only mentioned in geography subjects in school and in intermediate and high school,” she said.
“The reason I started AstroGeeks is because of girls who inspired me to bring opportunities locally and internationally.”
Ms Aloumi now wants to pursue a master’s degree in space policy and work in the Saudi space sector.
She will travel to the US to study, but universities in the kingdom including King Saud University and King Abdulaziz University not offer bachelor's degrees in astrophysics.
She said the formation of the Saudi Space Commission “created hope” for many people interested in studying and working in the sector.
She has also followed the UAE’s space programme closely and hopes the kingdom will experience the same “space boom".
The UAE is leading the way in the Middle East, having reached Mars with its Hope probe in 2021 and sending its first astronaut into space in 2019.
Another Emirati astronaut will undergo a six-month mission at the International Space Station next month, as part of the Arab world’s first long-term space operation.
“I was closely tuning into the UAE’s space programme and I was fascinated,” she said.
“I hoped and wished for the same to happen in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia needs to and will join space exploration and the space race in the coming years, I’m sure.”
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Despacito's dominance in numbers
Released: 2017
Peak chart position: No.1 in more than 47 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and Lebanon
Views: 5.3 billion on YouTube
Sales: With 10 million downloads in the US, Despacito became the first Latin single to receive Diamond sales certification
Streams: 1.3 billion combined audio and video by the end of 2017, making it the biggest digital hit of the year.
Awards: 17, including Record of the Year at last year’s prestigious Latin Grammy Awards, as well as five Billboard Music Awards
The years Ramadan fell in May
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Brief scores:
Barcelona 3
Pique 38', Messi 51 (pen), Suarez 82'
Rayo Vallecano 1
De Tomas Gomez 24'
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Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
EA Sports FC 26
Publisher: EA Sports
Consoles: PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Series X/S
Rating: 3/5
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COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Mamo Year it started: 2019 Founders: Imad Gharazeddine, Asim Janjua Based: Dubai, UAE Number of employees: 28 Sector: Financial services Investment: $9.5m Funding stage: Pre-Series A Investors: Global Ventures, GFC, 4DX Ventures, AlRajhi Partners, Olive Tree Capital, and prominent Silicon Valley investors. Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
HAJJAN
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The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
Liverpool 4-1 Shrewsbury
Liverpool
Gordon (34'), Fabinho (44' pen, 90' 3), Firmino (78')
Shrewsbury
Udoh (27'minutes)
Man of the Match: Kaide Gordon (Liverpool)
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The five pillars of Islam
Arabian Gulf League fixtures:
Friday:
- Emirates v Hatta, 5.15pm
- Al Wahda v Al Dhafra, 5.25pm
- Al Ain v Shabab Al Ahli Dubai, 8.15pm
Saturday:
- Dibba v Ajman, 5.15pm
- Sharjah v Al Wasl, 5.20pm
- Al Jazira v Al Nasr, 8.15pm
New schools in Dubai
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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RESULTS
6pm: Mazrat Al Ruwayah – Group 2 (PA) $40,000 (Dirt) 1,600m
Winner: AF Alajaj, Tadhg O’Shea (jockey), Ernst Oertel (trainer)
6.35pm: Race of Future – Handicap (TB) $80,000 (Turf) 2,410m
Winner: Global Storm, William Buick, Charlie Appleby
7.10pm: UAE 2000 Guineas – Group 3 (TB) $150,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner: Azure Coast, Antonio Fresu, Pavel Vashchenko
7.45pm: Business Bay Challenge – Listed (TB) $100,000 (T) 1,400m
Winner: Storm Damage, Patrick Cosgrave, Saeed bin Suroor
20.20pm: Curlin Stakes – Listed (TB) $100,000 (D) 2,000m
Winner: Appreciated, Fernando Jara, Doug O’Neill
8.55pm: Singspiel Stakes – Group 2 (TB) $180,000 (T) 1,800m
Winner: Lord Glitters, Daniel Tudhope, David O'Meara
9.30pm: Al Shindagha Sprint – Group 3 (TB) $150,000 (D) 1,200m
Winner: Meraas, Antonio Fresu, Musabah Al Muhairi
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl, 48V hybrid
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Power: 325bhp
Torque: 450Nm
Price: Dh289,000
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Credit Score explained
What is a credit score?
In the UAE your credit score is a number generated by the Al Etihad Credit Bureau (AECB), which represents your credit worthiness – in other words, your risk of defaulting on any debt repayments. In this country, the number is between 300 and 900. A low score indicates a higher risk of default, while a high score indicates you are a lower risk.
Why is it important?
Financial institutions will use it to decide whether or not you are a credit risk. Those with better scores may also receive preferential interest rates or terms on products such as loans, credit cards and mortgages.
How is it calculated?
The AECB collects information on your payment behaviour from banks as well as utilitiy and telecoms providers.
How can I improve my score?
By paying your bills on time and not missing any repayments, particularly your loan, credit card and mortgage payments. It is also wise to limit the number of credit card and loan applications you make and to reduce your outstanding balances.
How do I know if my score is low or high?
By checking it. Visit one of AECB’s Customer Happiness Centres with an original and valid Emirates ID, passport copy and valid email address. Liv. customers can also access the score directly from the banking app.
How much does it cost?
A credit report costs Dh100 while a report with the score included costs Dh150. Those only wanting the credit score pay Dh60. VAT is payable on top.
