In 1974, a US delegation of Nasa astronauts and scientists visited Abu Dhabi to brief the UAE’s founder and first President, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, on the Apollo missions to the Moon. Few could have imagined then that the UAE would become a key partner in the Nasa-led Artemis missions that will return humanity to the Moon by providing a vital contribution to the Gateway programme, which will establish the first lunar orbital station.
When UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan visits Washington next week for a White House meeting with President Joe Biden, they will highlight a half-century trajectory of UAE-US partnerships that have delivered prosperity, security and scientific progress in both our countries.
When it comes to advanced technologies and artificial intelligence, few countries are working as closely and moving as quickly together as the United States and the UAE. The US Silicon Valley and the UAE “Silicon Oasis” are driving AI research and innovation towards the frontier. And they are doing so in partnerships that span labs, boardrooms and advanced production facilities. The drive along Sheikh Zayed Road from Abu Dhabi to Dubai feels very familiar to any American tech executive, with Google, Meta, IBM and Microsoft signs lighting the way.
This week, Abu Dhabi’s technology investment firm MGX joined with Microsoft, US investment firm BlackRock, and others to launch a new technology infrastructure investment platform. Over the past year, Silicon Valley’s Cerebras teamed up with the UAE’s G42 to deploy several of the world’s fastest supercomputers for AI training in California and Texas. Mubadala’s transformational investment in New York-based GlobalFoundries is helping to expand US semiconductor manufacturing and adding thousands of jobs to the region’s innovation economy. G42 is also partnering with Microsoft’s Azure on a new cloud computing platform in the UAE and working with other US tech leaders like Nvidia, AMD, VAST and Qualcomm to scale up advanced technology infrastructure in the UAE.
Few countries are working as closely and moving as quickly together
Our countries recognise the benefits of technology and scientific co-operation and are committed to expanding our work on new initiatives, including enhanced standards for protecting data and sensitive technologies, greater collaboration in research and education, as well as programmes to help narrow the digital divide by providing more accessible core technologies to all, while ensuring the highest standards of security and privacy.
Like the UAE-US Agreement for Nuclear Co-operation, these collaborative efforts could become the new “gold standard” for securing and propelling the next generation of technologies. The 2009 landmark “123 Agreement” enabled the UAE’s development of civilian nuclear energy, which now delivers low-emission electricity to UAE data centres.
The visit also builds on the historic Cop28 Climate Conference hosted by the UAE last December, a pivotal moment for US-UAE co-operation on addressing the climate crisis and accelerating the energy transition.
Advanced technology and climate action are creating new business opportunities that have drawn US companies, entrepreneurs and investors to the UAE. The UAE’s position as a global crossroads for business, media, and culture has also made it a gateway to fast-growing markets across the Middle East, Africa, India and Asia. More than 1,500 American companies and institutions operate in the UAE, contributing to its growth, economic diversification and job creation. Over 50,000 Americans now call the UAE home.
The benefits of five decades of bilateral trade and engagement have naturally flowed in both directions. The UAE has invested more than $1 trillion across all sectors of the American economy. And the UAE is the biggest destination for US exports in the Middle East. Bilateral trade exceeded $31 billion in 2023 alone.
The United States and the UAE share enduring security ties and a commitment to a peaceful, stable and prosperous Middle East region. In close partnership, we are working to advance multilateral diplomatic solutions and provide urgently needed humanitarian assistance in Gaza and Sudan. Our ongoing defence and counter-terrorism co-operation makes our countries and the world more secure. US and UAE troops have stood shoulder to shoulder in six conflicts over the past 30 years; their valour and devotion to duty have forged the strongest of bonds between our countries.
By continuing to partner together, exploring new opportunities and addressing shared challenges head-on, we are keeping our eyes firmly fixed on a better vision for the region and for the next 50 years of our co-operation.
Much like the Apollo mission inspired generations of scientists and engineers, the UAE and the United States are meeting the future together on the Gateway mission and in so many other ways. Recognising then the Moon landing’s significance and seeing its promise for the region and the world, Sheikh Zayed said: “If it is God’s will, man can achieve anything; nothing is impossible.”
Yousef Al Otaiba is the UAE ambassador to the US. Martina Strong is the US ambassador to the UAE
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
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Du Football Champions
The fourth season of du Football Champions was launched at Gitex on Wednesday alongside the Middle East’s first sports-tech scouting platform.“du Talents”, which enables aspiring footballers to upload their profiles and highlights reels and communicate directly with coaches, is designed to extend the reach of the programme, which has already attracted more than 21,500 players in its first three years.
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PROFILE OF INVYGO
Started: 2018
Founders: Eslam Hussein and Pulkit Ganjoo
Based: Dubai
Sector: Transport
Size: 9 employees
Investment: $1,275,000
Investors: Class 5 Global, Equitrust, Gulf Islamic Investments, Kairos K50 and William Zeqiri
Wicked: For Good
Director: Jon M Chu
Starring: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Ethan Slater
Rating: 4/5
How to turn your property into a holiday home
- Ensure decoration and styling – and portal photography – quality is high to achieve maximum rates.
- Research equivalent Airbnb homes in your location to ensure competitiveness.
- Post on all relevant platforms to reach the widest audience; whether you let personally or via an agency know your potential guest profile – aiming for the wrong demographic may leave your property empty.
- Factor in costs when working out if holiday letting is beneficial. The annual DCTM fee runs from Dh370 for a one-bedroom flat to Dh1,200. Tourism tax is Dh10-15 per bedroom, per night.
- Check your management company has a physical office, a valid DTCM licence and is licencing your property and paying tourism taxes. For transparency, regularly view your booking calendar.
Results
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RESULTS
6.30pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 Group 1 (PA) Dh119,373 (Dirt) 1,600m
Winner: Brraq, Adrie de Vries (jockey), Jean-Claude Pecout (trainer)
7.05pm: Handicap (TB) Dh102,500 (D) 1,200m
Winner: Taamol, Connor Beasley, Ali Rashid Al Raihe.
7.40pm: Handicap (TB) Dh105,000 (Turf) 1,800m
Winner: Eqtiraan, Connor Beasley, Ali Rashid Al Raihe.
8.15pm: UAE 1000 Guineas Trial (TB) Dh183,650 (D) 1,400m
Winner: Soft Whisper, Pat Cosgrave, Saeed bin Suroor.
9.50pm: Handicap (TB) Dh105,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner: Hypothetical, Mickael Barzalona, Salem bin Ghadayer.
9.25pm: Handicap (TB) Dh95,000 (T) 1,000m
Winner: Etisalat, Sando Paiva, Ali Rashid Al Raihe
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
Match info
Who: India v Afghanistan
What: One-off Test match, Bengaluru
When: June 14 to 18
TV: OSN Sports Cricket HD, 8am starts
Online: OSN Play (subscribers only)
Titan Sports Academy:
Programmes: Judo, wrestling, kick-boxing, muay thai, taekwondo and various summer camps
Location: Inside Abu Dhabi City Golf Club, Al Mushrif, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Telephone: 971 50 220 0326
Top New Zealand cop on policing the virtual world
New Zealand police began closer scrutiny of social media and online communities after the attacks on two mosques in March, the country's top officer said.
The killing of 51 people in Christchurch and wounding of more than 40 others shocked the world. Brenton Tarrant, a suspected white supremacist, was accused of the killings. His trial is ongoing and he denies the charges.
Mike Bush, commissioner of New Zealand Police, said officers looked closely at how they monitored social media in the wake of the tragedy to see if lessons could be learned.
“We decided that it was fit for purpose but we need to deepen it in terms of community relationships, extending them not only with the traditional community but the virtual one as well," he told The National.
"We want to get ahead of attacks like we suffered in New Zealand so we have to challenge ourselves to be better."
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What are the influencer academy modules?
- Mastery of audio-visual content creation.
- Cinematography, shots and movement.
- All aspects of post-production.
- Emerging technologies and VFX with AI and CGI.
- Understanding of marketing objectives and audience engagement.
- Tourism industry knowledge.
- Professional ethics.
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
Sholto Byrnes on Myanmar politics
Mane points for safe home colouring
- Natural and grey hair takes colour differently than chemically treated hair
- Taking hair from a dark to a light colour should involve a slow transition through warmer stages of colour
- When choosing a colour (especially a lighter tone), allow for a natural lift of warmth
- Most modern hair colours are technique-based, in that they require a confident hand and taught skills
- If you decide to be brave and go for it, seek professional advice and use a semi-permanent colour
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Essentials
The flights
Return flights from Dubai to Windhoek, with a combination of Emirates and Air Namibia, cost from US$790 (Dh2,902) via Johannesburg.
The trip
A 10-day self-drive in Namibia staying at a combination of the safari camps mentioned – Okonjima AfriCat, Little Kulala, Desert Rhino/Damaraland, Ongava – costs from $7,000 (Dh25,711) per person, including car hire (Toyota 4x4 or similar), but excluding international flights, with The Luxury Safari Company.
When to go
The cooler winter months, from June to September, are best, especially for game viewing.
Jawan
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