In 2018, Hazza Al Mansouri and Sultan Al Neyadi, were selected from a pool of over 4,000 applicants for the inaugural batch of the UAE astronaut programme. The achievements of both have now put them in history books. Maj Al Mansouri achieved the historic distinction of becoming the UAE's first astronaut, embarking on an 8-day mission to the International Space Station (ISS) in September-October 2019, travelling to space aboard the Russian Soyuz spacecraft. Dr Al Neyadi, who underwent training alongside Maj Al Mansouri in Russia, served as the backup astronaut for the mission. His opportunity to journey into space materialised later, as part of Nasa's SpaceX Crew-6 flight during Expedition 69, thanks to an agreement between the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre and Axiom Space.
Sultan Al Neyadi, a pioneer and a symbol of the nation's ambition, underwent extensive training at Nasa’s Johnson Space Centre and embarked on a six-month mission to lay the groundwork for more ambitious future missions to the Moon, Mars and beyond. As the first long-duration Arab astronaut mission, this achievement holds great promise for the future of space exploration and our understanding of the human body's response to the rigours of space travel. He travelled aboard the Space X’s Crew Dragon spacecraft on March 2, spent 184 days aboard the ISS and landed safely on September 4, spending a total of 186 days in space. He also became the first Arab astronaut to conduct a spacewalk or EVA (Extra Vehicular Activity).
Not only did Dr Al Neyadi conduct a series of groundbreaking scientific experiments that promise to improve our understanding of a number of scientific phenomena, but being in space for such a long duration made him a research subject himself. The challenges of prolonged space travel, including muscle atrophy, bone density loss and body fluid displacement, became a real-life laboratory for understanding the body's resilience and adaptability. Studying these impacts on his body and how it recovers after returning to Earth will help us better prepare astronauts for future expeditions to the Moon, Mars and beyond.
One of the most fascinating experiments that Dr Al Neyadi conducted involved the study of the human heart. Microgravity, a technical term used to describe the lack of gravity in space, accelerates the weakening of heart muscles, providing an ideal environment to study the aging process. Artificial heart tissues were developed by Johns Hopkins University and Stanford, and were put to test by Dr Al Neyadi. The findings could revolutionise our understanding of cardiac health and aging, potentially leading to groundbreaking treatments on Earth.
Another noteworthy experiment involved protein crystallisation. The ISS offers an ideal environment for growing crystals, which can then be used to develop medicines that are easily administered to patients on Earth. Dr Al Neyadi's contribution to this field promises to advance drug development and improve healthcare worldwide.
However, perhaps the most inspiring aspect of this mission was the Genes in Space experiment, proposed by a high school student, Pristine Onuoha. This experiment focused on telomeres – protective caps found at the end of our chromosomes (thread-like structures that are important for the functioning of cells – and protecting our cells from damage. In space, the length of telomeres increased, suggesting a potential key to slowing down the aging process and preventing severe diseases. The implications for improving human health, especially as we age, are immense.
Dr Al Neyadi's outreach efforts, including "a call from space", which were widely attended events in the UAE and broadcast online, captured the world's imagination and highlighted the UAE's commitment to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.
This mission is not just about one astronaut's journey; it symbolises the UAE's continued investment in the space sector and scientific research. The nation's rapid progress, including the successful Hope mission and upcoming asteroid belt mission, has firmly established it as a pioneer in the Arab world and serves as a model for other countries in the region to follow. The rich history of astronomy in the Arab world is experiencing a revival, positioning the region as an important player in the global space sector.
Moreover, the UAE's commitment to cutting-edge research lays the foundation for a Stem-based economy, growing the local private space sector and promising sustained long-term economic growth. With agencies planning to establish permanent human bases on the Moon and Mars, the UAE's ambitious goals align with the broader vision of space exploration and the utilisation of extraterrestrial resources.
Looking ahead, it would not be surprising to see Dr Al Neyadi's next mission take him to the Moon as part of Nasa's Artemis programme. The UAE is already a signatory to the Artemis Accords, which is a US-led set of rules for sustainable space exploration and international co-operation. The UAE’s two other astronauts, who are a part of the second batch of astronauts, are training at the Johnson Space Centre in Houston, which is a sign of growing co-operation in space between the two countries. With plans for establishing a permanent base on Mars as a part of the ambitious Mars 2117 vision, the UAE's journey into space is just beginning, and the possibilities are limitless.
Dr Al Neyadi's six-month mission represents a giant leap for the UAE, the Arab world, and humanity as a whole. It has expanded the boundaries of scientific knowledge and brought us closer to the dream of establishing permanent human presence outside the limits of planet Earth. As we eagerly await the next chapter in this epic adventure, the UAE stands tall as a beacon of inspiration and innovation in the Arab world and beyond.
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BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
From Europe to the Middle East, economic success brings wealth - and lifestyle diseases
A rise in obesity figures and the need for more public spending is a familiar trend in the developing world as western lifestyles are adopted.
One in five deaths around the world is now caused by bad diet, with obesity the fastest growing global risk. A high body mass index is also the top cause of metabolic diseases relating to death and disability in Kuwait, Qatar and Oman – and second on the list in Bahrain.
In Britain, heart disease, lung cancer and Alzheimer’s remain among the leading causes of death, and people there are spending more time suffering from health problems.
The UK is expected to spend $421.4 billion on healthcare by 2040, up from $239.3 billion in 2014.
And development assistance for health is talking about the financial aid given to governments to support social, environmental development of developing countries.
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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
The specs
AT4 Ultimate, as tested
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Power: 420hp
Torque: 623Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)
On sale: Now
Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request
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
UAE v Gibraltar
What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission: Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)
Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
Analysis
Maros Sefcovic is juggling multiple international trade agreement files, but his message was clear when he spoke to The National on Wednesday.
The EU-UAE bilateral trade deal will be finalised soon, he said. It is in everyone’s interests to do so. Both sides want to move quickly and are in alignment. He said the UAE is a very important partner for the EU. It’s full speed ahead - and with some lofty ambitions - on the road to a free trade agreement.
We also talked about US-EU tariffs. He answered that both sides need to talk more and more often, but he is prepared to defend Europe's position and said diplomacy should be a guiding principle through the current moment.
WOMAN AND CHILD
Director: Saeed Roustaee
Starring: Parinaz Izadyar, Payman Maadi
Rating: 4/5
MATCH INFO
Pakistan 106-8 (20 ovs)
Iftikhar 45, Richardson 3-18
Australia 109-0 (11.5 ovs)
Warner 48 no, Finch 52 no
Australia win series 2-0
UK-EU trade at a glance
EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years
Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products
Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries
Smoother border management with use of e-gates
Cutting red tape on import and export of food
ELECTION%20RESULTS
%3Cp%3EMacron%E2%80%99s%20Ensemble%20group%20won%20245%20seats.%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EThe%20second-largest%20group%20in%20parliament%20is%20Nupes%2C%20a%20leftist%20coalition%20led%20by%20Jean-Luc%20Melenchon%2C%20which%20gets%20131%20lawmakers.%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EThe%20far-right%20National%20Rally%20fared%20much%20better%20than%20expected%20with%2089%20seats.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EThe%20centre-right%20Republicans%20and%20their%20allies%20took%2061.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
WHAT IS GRAPHENE?
It was discovered in 2004, when Russian-born Manchester scientists Andrei Geim and Kostya Novoselov were experimenting with sticky tape and graphite, the material used as lead in pencils.
Placing the tape on the graphite and peeling it, they managed to rip off thin flakes of carbon. In the beginning they got flakes consisting of many layers of graphene. But when they repeated the process many times, the flakes got thinner.
By separating the graphite fragments repeatedly, they managed to create flakes that were just one atom thick. Their experiment led to graphene being isolated for the very first time.
In 2010, Geim and Novoselov were awarded the Nobel Prize for Physics.
What is graphene?
Graphene is a single layer of carbon atoms arranged like honeycomb.
It was discovered in 2004, when Russian-born Manchester scientists Andrei Geim and Kostya Novoselov were "playing about" with sticky tape and graphite - the material used as "lead" in pencils.
Placing the tape on the graphite and peeling it, they managed to rip off thin flakes of carbon. In the beginning they got flakes consisting of many layers of graphene. But as they repeated the process many times, the flakes got thinner.
By separating the graphite fragments repeatedly, they managed to create flakes that were just one atom thick. Their experiment had led to graphene being isolated for the very first time.
At the time, many believed it was impossible for such thin crystalline materials to be stable. But examined under a microscope, the material remained stable, and when tested was found to have incredible properties.
It is many times times stronger than steel, yet incredibly lightweight and flexible. It is electrically and thermally conductive but also transparent. The world's first 2D material, it is one million times thinner than the diameter of a single human hair.
But the 'sticky tape' method would not work on an industrial scale. Since then, scientists have been working on manufacturing graphene, to make use of its incredible properties.
In 2010, Geim and Novoselov were awarded the Nobel Prize for Physics. Their discovery meant physicists could study a new class of two-dimensional materials with unique properties.
