After the UAE launched the Arab world’s first successful mission to Mars on Tuesday, discussion around other regional space programmes has been re-energised.
People across the region tuned in to watch the Emirates Mars Mission online.
The probe, called Hope (Amal in Arabic), is now in orbit around the Red Planet – a feat only achieved by four others, including the US, the former Soviet Union, the European Space Agency and India.
The ambition has been brewing since 2014, when the UAE announced it would send a mission to Mars. "We chose the epic challenge of reaching Mars because epic challenges inspire us and motivate us. The moment we stop taking on such challenges is the moment we stop moving forward," Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, said at the time.
Six years on, the Hope probe has been successfully sent into orbit around Mars, with the first images due to be beamed back in a week followed by the scientific data it has been sent to capture within the next two months.
Overcoming a 50 per cent chance of failure as it entered the Mars orbit, Hope has inspired memories of other space ventures in the region.
Here is a breakdown of other prominent space initiatives and programmes in the Middle East:
Saudi Arabia
In 1985, Saudi Prince Sultan bin Salman Al Saud became the first Arab to fly in space after being chosen by Nasa to fly on the space shuttle Discovery as part of a seven-member international crew.
During the seven-day mission, Prince Sultan represented the Arab Satellite Communications Organisation (Arabsat) and took part in the deployment of the organisation’s satellite, ARABSAT-1B.
While in space, he also carried out a series of experiments that had been designed by Saudi scientists, including an experiment concerning the behaviour of oil and water when mixed in zero gravity.
Last year, the kingdom announced it was planning to allocate a $2.1 billion boost for its space programme by 2030 under an economic diversification plan.
In 2018, it established the Saudi Space Commission (SSC) to stimulate space-related research and become a global player in the space industry.
Saudi Arabia is a main founder and financier of the Arabsat, launched in 1976 to deliver satellite-based telecommunications services across the Arab world.
Morocco
Moroccan scientific production in astronomy and astrophysics has shown sustained growth since the late 1980s.
It is mainly thanks to the Oukaimeden Observatory, a joint Swiss-French-Moroccan project,located 50km south of Marrakech in the High Atlas mountains at an altitude of 2,750 metres.
Over the past decade, the project’s giant telescope has become one of the most prolific telescopes in the world in terms of discoveries of small bodies in the Solar System.
Qatar
Qatar entered the space age in 2010 when it launched the Qatar Exoplanet Survey (QES), founded by Khalid Al Subai, who returned to Qatar after gaining a doctorate in astronomy in the United Kingdom.
The goal was to explore the space for exoplanets – the small planets orbiting a star other than our sun.
The QES project uses a space-probing method known as transit to detect new exoplanets through its remotely located telescopes in New Mexico (USA), Tenerife (Spain) and Urumqi (China).
In 2013, Qatar successfully launched its first satellite, Es'hail -1.
The satellite was launched into space on board an Ariane 5 rocket from the Kourou spaceport in French Guiana.
Egypt
Egypt's early interest in interstellar exploration dates to 1960 when it officially started its space programme.
Over the past three decades, Egypt has set a record in Africa, launching a total of nine satellites into space with the main purpose of communication and TV broadcasting.
In 2016, the government created a national space agency to keep pace with digital competition and the development of knowledge-based economies in the Middle East.
Bahrain
In 2014, Bahrain established National Space Science with a vision to promote scientific and space research.
Four years later, the kingdom announced it was setting up a “space team” with the aim of launching its first satellite into orbit.
The 3U CubeSat, which is being implemented by young scientists from Bahrain and the UAE as part of a joint space project, is expected to be launched to the International Space Station this August, and from there into space in October 2021.
Oman
The sultanate's first national satellite programme began in June 2020, led by Space Communications Technology LLC, which aims to launch it's thefirst satellite by 2024.
The project is being developed to bolster the country's telecommunications network and serve the evolving needs of Oman’s public and private sectors.
Speaking ahead of the country’s 50th National Day, the minister said Oman’s plans to go to space actually began in 2006.
Israel
Israel established its space agency in 1983 with a vision to be among the leading countries involved in space research and its exploitation.
The agency has invested since then in start-ups, development and construction of the country’s own satellites for civilian purposes.
It further cultivated a cadre of Israeli scientists through focusing on space science education and community projects.
Israel became in the 1980s the eighth country in the world to succeed in launching and positioning satellites in space.
The Israeli space scientists focus on high resolution photographic satellites that are positioned in the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and communication satellites positioned in the Geocentric Orbit (GEO).
Lebanon
In the 1960s, a young Armenian man named Manoug Manougian and a group of seven students established the Lebanese Rocket Society out of the American University of Beirut.
Their prototype rockets had to be built from scratch using cardboard and bits of piping due to a very tight budget.
They managed to design the first rocket by April 1961, which reached an altitude of 1,000 metres. The next rocket made it to 2,000 metres.
After word of their efforts spread, the students named their project after Lebanon's Cedar, a symbol of resilience and strength.
Several regional countries were reportedly interested in buying their project, but Mr Manougian told the BBC that he rejected all bids.
He decided to halt the programme after a failed third launch narrowly missed a ship in the Mediterranean, but remains a source of pride in Lebanon, which issued stamps to commemorate the unfulfilled space dream.
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COMPANY PROFILE
Initial investment: Undisclosed
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Investors: Core42
Current number of staff: 47
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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How to watch Ireland v Pakistan in UAE
When: The one-off Test starts on Friday, May 11
What time: Each day’s play is scheduled to start at 2pm UAE time.
TV: The match will be broadcast on OSN Sports Cricket HD. Subscribers to the channel can also stream the action live on OSN Play.
Pharaoh's curse
British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened.
He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia.
Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”.
Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.
Most sought after workplace benefits in the UAE
- Flexible work arrangements
- Pension support
- Mental well-being assistance
- Insurance coverage for optical, dental, alternative medicine, cancer screening
- Financial well-being incentives
F1 The Movie
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Rating: 4/5
What can you do?
Document everything immediately; including dates, times, locations and witnesses
Seek professional advice from a legal expert
You can report an incident to HR or an immediate supervisor
You can use the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s dedicated hotline
In criminal cases, you can contact the police for additional support
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Results
6.30pm: Dubai Millennium Stakes Group Three US$200,000 (Turf) 2,000m; Winner: Ghaiyyath, William Buick (jockey), Charlie Appleby (trainer).
7.05pm: Handicap $135,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Cliffs Of Capri, Tadhg O’Shea, Jamie Osborne.
7.40pm: UAE Oaks Group Three $250,000 (Dirt) 1,900m; Winner: Down On Da Bayou, Mickael Barzalona, Salem bin Ghadayer.
8.15pm: Zabeel Mile Group Two $250,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Zakouski, James Doyle, Charlie Appleby.
8.50pm: Meydan Sprint Group Two $250,000 (T) 1,000m; Winner: Waady, Jim Crowley, Doug Watson.
Why are asylum seekers being housed in hotels?
The number of asylum applications in the UK has reached a new record high, driven by those illegally entering the country in small boats crossing the English Channel.
A total of 111,084 people applied for asylum in the UK in the year to June 2025, the highest number for any 12-month period since current records began in 2001.
Asylum seekers and their families can be housed in temporary accommodation while their claim is assessed.
The Home Office provides the accommodation, meaning asylum seekers cannot choose where they live.
When there is not enough housing, the Home Office can move people to hotels or large sites like former military bases.
Cryopreservation: A timeline
- Keyhole surgery under general anaesthetic
- Ovarian tissue surgically removed
- Tissue processed in a high-tech facility
- Tissue re-implanted at a time of the patient’s choosing
- Full hormone production regained within 4-6 months
The specs
Engine: 5.0-litre V8
Power: 480hp at 7,250rpm
Torque: 566Nm at 4,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: L/100km
Price: Dh306,495
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
The story of Edge
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, established Edge in 2019.
It brought together 25 state-owned and independent companies specialising in weapons systems, cyber protection and electronic warfare.
Edge has an annual revenue of $5 billion and employs more than 12,000 people.
Some of the companies include Nimr, a maker of armoured vehicles, Caracal, which manufactures guns and ammunitions company, Lahab
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Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
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The specs
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Power: 502hp at 7,600rpm
Torque: 637Nm at 5,150rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch auto
Price: from Dh317,671
On sale: now
Our legal consultant
Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
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Red flags
- Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
- Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
- Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
- Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
- Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.
Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
UAE players with central contracts
Rohan Mustafa, Ashfaq Ahmed, Chirag Suri, Rameez Shahzad, Shaiman Anwar, Adnan Mufti, Mohammed Usman, Ghulam Shabbir, Ahmed Raza, Qadeer Ahmed, Amir Hayat, Mohammed Naveed and Imran Haider.
UAE squad
Men's draw: Victor Scvortov and Khalifa Al Hosani, (both 73 kilograms), Sergiu Toma and Mihail Marchitan (90kg), Ivan Remarenco (100kg), Ahmed Al Naqbi (60kg), Musabah Al Shamsi and Ahmed Al Hosani (66kg)
Women’s draw: Maitha Al Neyadi (57kg)
How it works
1) The liquid nanoclay is a mixture of water and clay that aims to convert desert land to fertile ground
2) Instead of water draining straight through the sand, it apparently helps the soil retain water
3) One application is said to last five years
4) The cost of treatment per hectare (2.4 acres) of desert varies from $7,000 to $10,000 per hectare
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Five expert hiking tips
Always check the weather forecast before setting off
Make sure you have plenty of water
Set off early to avoid sudden weather changes in the afternoon
Wear appropriate clothing and footwear
Take your litter home with you
MATCH INFO
West Ham United 2 (Antonio 73', Ogbonna 90 5')
Tottenham Hotspur 3 (Son 36', Moura 42', Kane 49')
The five pillars of Islam
In Full Flight: A Story of Africa and Atonement
John Heminway, Knopff
Ibrahim's play list
Completed an electrical diploma at the Adnoc Technical Institute
Works as a public relations officer with Adnoc
Apart from the piano, he plays the accordion, oud and guitar
His favourite composer is Johann Sebastian Bach
Also enjoys listening to Mozart
Likes all genres of music including Arabic music and jazz
Enjoys rock groups Scorpions and Metallica
Other musicians he likes are Syrian-American pianist Malek Jandali and Lebanese oud player Rabih Abou Khalil
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
How Sputnik V works
DUBAI SEVENS 2018 DRAW
Gulf Men’s League
Pool A – Dubai Exiles, Dubai Hurricanes, Bahrain, Dubai Sports City Eagles
Pool B – Jebel Ali Dragons, Abu Dhabi Saracens, Abu Dhabi Harlequins, Al Ain Amblers
Gulf Men’s Open
Pool A – Bahrain Firbolgs, Arabian Knights, Yalla Rugby, Muscat
Pool B – Amman Citadel, APB Dubai Sharks, Jebel Ali Dragons 2, Saudi Rugby
Pool C – Abu Dhabi Harlequins 2, Roberts Construction, Dubai Exiles 2
Pool D – Dubai Tigers, UAE Shaheen, Sharjah Wanderers, Amman Citadel 2
Gulf U19 Boys
Pool A – Deira International School, Dubai Hurricanes, British School Al Khubairat, Jumeirah English Speaking School B
Pool B – Dubai English Speaking College 2, Jumeirah College, Dubai College A, Abu Dhabi Harlequins 2
Pool C – Bahrain Colts, Al Yasmina School, DESC, DC B
Pool D – Al Ain Amblers, Repton Royals, Dubai Exiles, Gems World Academy Dubai
Pool E – JESS A, Abu Dhabi Sharks, Abu Dhabi Harlequins 1, EC
Gulf Women
Pool A – Kuwait Scorpions, Black Ruggers, Dubai Sports City Eagles, Dubai Hurricanes 2
Pool B – Emirates Firebirds, Sharjah Wanderers, RAK Rides, Beirut Aconites
Pool C – Dubai Hurricanes, Emirates Firebirds 2, Abu Dhabi Saracens, Transforma Panthers
Pool D – AUC Wolves, Dubai Hawks, Abu Dhabi Harlequins, Al Ain Amblers
Gulf U19 Girls
Pool A – Dubai Exiles, BSAK, DESC, Al Maha
Pool B – Arabian Knights, Dubai Hurricanes, Al Ain Amblers, Abu Dhabi Harlequins
