The UAE has won the bid to host Cospar 2028, a prestigious space research event.
More than 3,000 experts are expected to attend the event, which will be held in the Arab world for the first time.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, announced the news on X.
"We are pleased to announce that the UAE has won the bid to host Cospar 2028, the world’s largest event focused on space research," Sheikh Hamdan wrote.
"Set to be held for the first time in the Arab world, the event will bring together more than 3,000 researchers, experts, and scientists to present and discuss groundbreaking scientific research."
This year's edition, held in Athens, Greece, finished earlier this week.
Sheikh Hamdan said winning the bid was an indication of how the UAE had positioned itself as a global player in the space industry.
"The UAE has firmly established itself as a key hub for the global scientific community, particularly in the field of space research," he wrote.
"This has further enhanced our nation’s role in fostering significant international co-operation in the space sector.
"We thank the team at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, whose efforts have made this achievement possible."
Another giant leap
Earlier this month, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, met with Nora Al Matrooshi, the first Emirati woman to be selected as an astronaut, and her colleague Mohammed Al Mulla.
The pair had just completed an intensive two-year astronaut training programme with Nasa, making them eligible for space flight.
They are aiming to follow in the footsteps of Hazza Al Mansouri, the UAE's first man in space, and Dr Sultan Al Neyadi, who returned from his six-month mission on board the International Space Station in September, and has since been appointed to the UAE Cabinet as Minister of State for Youth Affairs.
The UAE established a dedicated academy in November to help future generations of Emiratis build careers in the growing space sector.




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How being social media savvy can improve your well being
Next time when procastinating online remember that you can save thousands on paying for a personal trainer and a gym membership simply by watching YouTube videos and keeping up with the latest health tips and trends.
As social media apps are becoming more and more consumed by health experts and nutritionists who are using it to awareness and encourage patients to engage in physical activity.
Elizabeth Watson, a personal trainer from Stay Fit gym in Abu Dhabi suggests that “individuals can use social media as a means of keeping fit, there are a lot of great exercises you can do and train from experts at home just by watching videos on YouTube”.
Norlyn Torrena, a clinical nutritionist from Burjeel Hospital advises her clients to be more technologically active “most of my clients are so engaged with their phones that I advise them to download applications that offer health related services”.
Torrena said that “most people believe that dieting and keeping fit is boring”.
However, by using social media apps keeping fit means that people are “modern and are kept up to date with the latest heath tips and trends”.
“It can be a guide to a healthy lifestyle and exercise if used in the correct way, so I really encourage my clients to download health applications” said Mrs Torrena.
People can also connect with each other and exchange “tips and notes, it’s extremely healthy and fun”.
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