Dubai is set to host the International Astronautical Congress, the world's largest space conference, from October 25 to October 29 at Dubai's World Trade Centre. Officials from the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre and the International Astronautical Federation, organisers of the congress, held a briefing on May 18 to give a sneak peak into the event. Antonie Robertson / The National
Dubai is set to host the International Astronautical Congress, the world's largest space conference, from October 25 to October 29 at Dubai's World Trade Centre. Officials from the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre and the International Astronautical Federation, organisers of the congress, held a briefing on May 18 to give a sneak peak into the event. Antonie Robertson / The National
Yousuf Al Shaibani, director general of the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre said Dubai is ready to host the event. Antonie Robertson / The National
Yousuf Al Shaibani, director general of the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre said Dubai is ready to host the event. Antonie Robertson / The National
International Astronautical Congress president professor Pascale Ehrenfreund said it was 'exciting' that an Arab nation is hosting the event for the first time. Antonie Robertson / The National
International Astronautical Congress president professor Pascale Ehrenfreund said it was 'exciting' that an Arab nation is hosting the event for the first time. Antonie Robertson / The National
Salem Al Marri, deputy director general of Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, said Covid-19 safety measures will be in place to welcome more than 3,000 visitors to the event. Antonie Robertson / The National
Salem Al Marri, deputy director general of Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, said Covid-19 safety measures will be in place to welcome more than 3,000 visitors to the event. Antonie Robertson / The National
It was also said during the media briefing that the International Astronautical Congress contacted leading space figures such as Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos to attend the congress. Mr Musk has attended two of the previous events. Antonie Robertson / The National
It was also said during the media briefing that the International Astronautical Congress contacted leading space figures such as Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos to attend the congress. Mr Musk has attended two of the previous events. Antonie Robertson / The National
The UAE's new astronauts, Mohammed Al Mulla and Nora Al Matrooshi, will also be attending. Courtesy: Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre
The UAE's new astronauts, Mohammed Al Mulla and Nora Al Matrooshi, will also be attending. Courtesy: Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre
Maj Hazza Al Mansouri, the first Emirati man in space, and Sultan Al Neyadi will also attend. School pupils and university students are encouraged to attend during the open day to meet the astronauts and see the exhibition. Reem Mohammed / The National
Maj Hazza Al Mansouri, the first Emirati man in space, and Sultan Al Neyadi will also attend. School pupils and university students are encouraged to attend during the open day to meet the astronauts and see the exhibition. Reem Mohammed / The National

UAE

UAE in Space

What to expect at International Astronautical Congress in Dubai

World’s largest space conference will take place from October 25-29

Sarwat Nasir
Sarwat Nasir

September 14, 2021

  • English
  • Arabic

Astronauts, scientists, engineers and policymakers are set to gather in Dubai next month for the world’s largest space conference.

The International Astronautical Congress 2021 will take place at the World Trade Centre from October 25-29.

Insight into some of the latest space exploration missions will be discussed at the annual event, which is being organised by the International Astronautical Federation.

The National highlights some of the main topics that will be addressed.

Emirates Mars Mission

The first set of science data from the UAE’s Hope probe is expected to be released in the first week of October.

Scientists with the mission will hold a workshop at IAC, where they will discuss the findings.

Researchers who want to use the data are being encouraged to attend.

The first image of Mars as taken by the UAE's Hope probe, which arrived at the planet on February 9.
The first image of Mars as taken by the UAE's Hope probe, which arrived at the planet on February 9.
This image taken by the Hope probe's ultraviolet spectrometer (one of its three scientific instruments) shows sunlight reflecting off the extended cloud of atomic hydrogen gas that surrounds the planet Mars. The sunlight is visible only as a dark disk hidden inside the fog of gas. The Emirates Mars Mission team said that no other mission have made such kind of recordings before.
This image taken by the Hope probe's ultraviolet spectrometer (one of its three scientific instruments) shows sunlight reflecting off the extended cloud of atomic hydrogen gas that surrounds the planet Mars. The sunlight is visible only as a dark disk hidden inside the fog of gas. The Emirates Mars Mission team said that no other mission have made such kind of recordings before.
The UAE's Hope probe captured a high-resolution photo of Mars.
The UAE's Hope probe captured a high-resolution photo of Mars.
The Hope probe has shared new images from its journey in the orbit of Mars.
The Hope probe has shared new images from its journey in the orbit of Mars.
This image was taken by the infrared spectrometer, another instrument on the Hope probe, from an altitude of about 15,000 kilometres. The image shows the surface temperature (left), centred on the Tharsis region of Mars. Dawn can be seen towards the right side. The low surface temperatures observed are due to the dusty nature of the Martian surface. An elevated nighttime atmospheric temperature at 25 km altitude (right) is also observed over the Tharsis region.
This image was taken by the infrared spectrometer, another instrument on the Hope probe, from an altitude of about 15,000 kilometres. The image shows the surface temperature (left), centred on the Tharsis region of Mars. Dawn can be seen towards the right side. The low surface temperatures observed are due to the dusty nature of the Martian surface. An elevated nighttime atmospheric temperature at 25 km altitude (right) is also observed over the Tharsis region.
These images were captured by the eXploration imager, a high-resolution camera on the Hope probe. The red channel clearly shows the dark and light features of the Martian surface, while the water ice clouds stand out in the ultraviolet channel.
These images were captured by the eXploration imager, a high-resolution camera on the Hope probe. The red channel clearly shows the dark and light features of the Martian surface, while the water ice clouds stand out in the ultraviolet channel.
Hope probe sent back an image of the Cerberus Fossae, an area on the planet known for 'Marsquakes'.
Hope probe sent back an image of the Cerberus Fossae, an area on the planet known for 'Marsquakes'.
Surface and atmospheric temperature readings collected by the UAE's Hope probe.
Surface and atmospheric temperature readings collected by the UAE's Hope probe.
Discrete aurora on Mars captured by UAE's Hope probe
Discrete aurora on Mars captured by UAE's Hope probe
Discrete aurora on Mars captured by UAE's Hope probe
Discrete aurora on Mars captured by UAE's Hope probe

The spacecraft arrived in Mars’ orbit on February 9 and is collecting information from the planet’s upper and lower atmosphere.

Mission control in Dubai has already received hundreds of images from the orbiter, including scientific readings on the planet’s atmosphere.

Results from UAE’s first human spaceflight

Hazza Al Mansouri, the first Emirati astronaut to fly into space, and his colleagues from his 2019 mission will assemble at the IAC.

US astronauts Jessica Meir, Andrew Morgan and Christina Koch will speak alongside Maj Al Mansouri during an event to highlight the achievements of Expedition 61.

The expedition to the International Space Station began on October 3, 2019 with the undocking of the Soyuz MS-12 spacecraft.

Maj Al Mansouri carried out 16 experiments and studied bone status indexes, body composition and endocrine regulation during a short flight, and some of the scientific discoveries will be revealed.

The astronauts will speak about the effects that launching the first Arab astronaut to the ISS has had on the region.

First Mars sample return mission

Nasa scientists are expected to speak about the process of returning samples of Mars rocks collected by the Perseverance rover.

The mission landed on the planet on February 18 and has been exploring the surface, searching for signs of ancient microbial life and testing new technologies such as producing oxygen from the atmosphere.

Nasa is working with the European Space Agency to bring back the rock samples.

Larry James, deputy director of the Nasa Jet Propulsion Laboratory, will moderate a panel on the topic during IAC.

Speakers will include Jennifer Trosper, the Mars 2020 project manager, and Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator for the science mission directorate at Nasa.

Bringing back samples from asteroid Bennu

One of the highlight lectures at IAC will be on Nasa’s first asteroid sample return mission, called Osiris-Rex.

The spacecraft collected material from the asteroid on October 20 and is on its way back to Earth, with arrival expected in 2023.

The goal was to collect 60 grams of samples, but some of it leaked after the lid opened unexpectedly.

Once retrieved, the samples could help provide clues to the formation of the universe.

Heads of space agencies

The leaders of space agencies will speak during a panel session.

It has not yet been disclosed who will participate, but typically this would involve leaders of the major space agencies, such as Nasa, Russia’s Roscosmos, Japan’s Jaxa, Canadian Space Agency, European Space Agency, Indian Space Research Organisation and China’s space agency. The UAE is likely to feature on this year's panel.

The speakers share the progress being made on some of their latest missions and may also announce new plans.

This time, leaders from emerging space nations will also speak during another panel session, including from Turkey, South Africa, Morocco, Brazil, Australia and Ecuador.

Are any space billionaires attending?

SpaceX founder Elon Musk and Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos have been invited to the event but it has not yet been confirmed if either of them is attending.

Mr Musk attended the IAC in 2017, while Mr Bezos spoke at the 2019 event in Washington.

When a reporter asked Mr Musk on Twitter if he would like to attend this year’s IAC in Dubai, the billionaire replied ‘OK’.

But, the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre told The National that it has not yet been confirmed.

Top space-themed displays at Expo 2020 Dubai - in pictures

There will be several national pavilions at Expo 2020 that will have space-themed displays. Pictured is a replica of a Falcon 9 booster rocket at the USA Pavilion. Courtesy: USA pavilion
There will be several national pavilions at Expo 2020 that will have space-themed displays. Pictured is a replica of a Falcon 9 booster rocket at the USA Pavilion. Courtesy: USA pavilion
The replica is 43 metres-tall and is placed at the entrance of the pavilion. Reem Mohammed / The National
The replica is 43 metres-tall and is placed at the entrance of the pavilion. Reem Mohammed / The National
The US pavilion will also display Moon rock samples at Expo 2020. In 1970, the US displayed a 3.2 billion-year-old Moon rock brought back from the Apollo 12 mission at the Osaka Expo. Courtesy: Nasa
The US pavilion will also display Moon rock samples at Expo 2020. In 1970, the US displayed a 3.2 billion-year-old Moon rock brought back from the Apollo 12 mission at the Osaka Expo. Courtesy: Nasa
A chess set that was carried to space on the Soyuz 3 and Soyuz 4 spacecraft from 1968 and 1969 will be on show at the expo. Reem Mohammed / The National
A chess set that was carried to space on the Soyuz 3 and Soyuz 4 spacecraft from 1968 and 1969 will be on show at the expo. Reem Mohammed / The National
To celebrate Emirati achievements in space, a Mars corridor in the Mobility Pavilion will display the journey of the Hope probe to the Red Planet. Pictured is an image taken by Hope. Courtesy: Emirates Mars Mission
To celebrate Emirati achievements in space, a Mars corridor in the Mobility Pavilion will display the journey of the Hope probe to the Red Planet. Pictured is an image taken by Hope. Courtesy: Emirates Mars Mission
The US pavilion will also display a replica of one of its Mars rovers, although it is not yet known which one exactly. Nasa landed its most advanced and expensive Mars mission, Perseverance (pictured), on the surface of the planet this year. Nasa
The US pavilion will also display a replica of one of its Mars rovers, although it is not yet known which one exactly. Nasa landed its most advanced and expensive Mars mission, Perseverance (pictured), on the surface of the planet this year. Nasa
The Russian pavilion will also celebrate the country’s space history. There will be a display of a replica of the first satellite in space, Sputnik, launched by the former Soviet Union. Courtesy: Roscosmos
The Russian pavilion will also celebrate the country’s space history. There will be a display of a replica of the first satellite in space, Sputnik, launched by the former Soviet Union. Courtesy: Roscosmos
A 'space drill' that will dig through the Martian soil will be on display at the Italian pavilion. Manufactured by Italian aerospace firm Leonardo, the drill will be launched in 2022 on board the Rosalind Franklin rover. Courtesy: Leonardo
A 'space drill' that will dig through the Martian soil will be on display at the Italian pavilion. Manufactured by Italian aerospace firm Leonardo, the drill will be launched in 2022 on board the Rosalind Franklin rover. Courtesy: Leonardo
The world’s largest 360° projection screen at the expo site, Al Wasl Dome, will feature a space-themed show. Courtesy: Dubai Expo 2020
The world’s largest 360° projection screen at the expo site, Al Wasl Dome, will feature a space-themed show. Courtesy: Dubai Expo 2020
There will be a week dedicated to space during the expo from October 5 to October 6. It will be one of the 10 thematic weeks to take place. The virtual space event will highlight some of the brightest stars in space exploration. AFP
There will be a week dedicated to space during the expo from October 5 to October 6. It will be one of the 10 thematic weeks to take place. The virtual space event will highlight some of the brightest stars in space exploration. AFP
Emirati astronauts will be visiting the expo site. Pictured are Mohammed Al Mulla (left), Nora Al Matrooshi (right), Hazza Al Mansouri (second to right) and Sultan Al Neyadi. Courtesy: Mbrsc
Emirati astronauts will be visiting the expo site. Pictured are Mohammed Al Mulla (left), Nora Al Matrooshi (right), Hazza Al Mansouri (second to right) and Sultan Al Neyadi. Courtesy: Mbrsc
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The alternatives

• Founded in 2014, Telr is a payment aggregator and gateway with an office in Silicon Oasis. It’s e-commerce entry plan costs Dh349 monthly (plus VAT). QR codes direct customers to an online payment page and merchants can generate payments through messaging apps.

• Business Bay’s Pallapay claims 40,000-plus active merchants who can invoice customers and receive payment by card. Fees range from 1.99 per cent plus Dh1 per transaction depending on payment method and location, such as online or via UAE mobile.

• Tap started in May 2013 in Kuwait, allowing Middle East businesses to bill, accept, receive and make payments online “easier, faster and smoother” via goSell and goCollect. It supports more than 10,000 merchants. Monthly fees range from US$65-100, plus card charges of 2.75-3.75 per cent and Dh1.2 per sale.

• 2checkout’s “all-in-one payment gateway and merchant account” accepts payments in 200-plus markets for 2.4-3.9 per cent, plus a Dh1.2-Dh1.8 currency conversion charge. The US provider processes online shop and mobile transactions and has 17,000-plus active digital commerce users.

• PayPal is probably the best-known online goods payment method - usually used for eBay purchases -  but can be used to receive funds, providing everyone’s signed up. Costs from 2.9 per cent plus Dh1.2 per transaction.

What is Folia?

Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal's new plant-based menu will launch at Four Seasons hotels in Dubai this November. A desire to cater to people looking for clean, healthy meals beyond green salad is what inspired Prince Khaled and American celebrity chef Matthew Kenney to create Folia. The word means "from the leaves" in Latin, and the exclusive menu offers fine plant-based cuisine across Four Seasons properties in Los Angeles, Bahrain and, soon, Dubai.

Kenney specialises in vegan cuisine and is the founder of Plant Food Wine and 20 other restaurants worldwide. "I’ve always appreciated Matthew’s work," says the Saudi royal. "He has a singular culinary talent and his approach to plant-based dining is prescient and unrivalled. I was a fan of his long before we established our professional relationship."

Folia first launched at The Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills in July 2018. It is available at the poolside Cabana Restaurant and for in-room dining across the property, as well as in its private event space. The food is vibrant and colourful, full of fresh dishes such as the hearts of palm ceviche with California fruit, vegetables and edible flowers; green hearb tacos filled with roasted squash and king oyster barbacoa; and a savoury coconut cream pie with macadamia crust.

In March 2019, the Folia menu reached Gulf shores, as it was introduced at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, where it is served at the Bay View Lounge. Next, on Tuesday, November 1 – also known as World Vegan Day – it will come to the UAE, to the Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach and the Four Seasons DIFC, both properties Prince Khaled has spent "considerable time at and love". 

There are also plans to take Folia to several more locations throughout the Middle East and Europe.

While health-conscious diners will be attracted to the concept, Prince Khaled is careful to stress Folia is "not meant for a specific subset of customers. It is meant for everyone who wants a culinary experience without the negative impact that eating out so often comes with."

While you're here
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On Women's Day
How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
  1. Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
  2. Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
  3. Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
  4. Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
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Launched: 2018

Employees: 35

Financing stage: Seed round ($12 million)

Investors: B&Y, Phoenician Funds, M1 Group, Shorooq Partners

The specs

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Based: Dubai

Size, number of employees: 12

Funding/investors:  $400,000 (2018) 

More about Sheikh Sabah
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What is blockchain?

Blockchain is a form of distributed ledger technology, a digital system in which data is recorded across multiple places at the same time. Unlike traditional databases, DLTs have no central administrator or centralised data storage. They are transparent because the data is visible and, because they are automatically replicated and impossible to be tampered with, they are secure.

The main difference between blockchain and other forms of DLT is the way data is stored as ‘blocks’ – new transactions are added to the existing ‘chain’ of past transactions, hence the name ‘blockchain’. It is impossible to delete or modify information on the chain due to the replication of blocks across various locations.

Blockchain is mostly associated with cryptocurrency Bitcoin. Due to the inability to tamper with transactions, advocates say this makes the currency more secure and safer than traditional systems. It is maintained by a network of people referred to as ‘miners’, who receive rewards for solving complex mathematical equations that enable transactions to go through.

However, one of the major problems that has come to light has been the presence of illicit material buried in the Bitcoin blockchain, linking it to the dark web.

Other blockchain platforms can offer things like smart contracts, which are automatically implemented when specific conditions from all interested parties are reached, cutting the time involved and the risk of mistakes. Another use could be storing medical records, as patients can be confident their information cannot be changed. The technology can also be used in supply chains, voting and has the potential to used for storing property records.

Updated: September 14, 2021, 5:34 AM`
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