Sultan Al Neyadi marked US Independence Day celebrations by posting images of the Great Salt Lake and the San Francisco Bay Salt Ponds taken from space. Photo: Sultan Al Neyadi
Sultan Al Neyadi marked US Independence Day celebrations by posting images of the Great Salt Lake and the San Francisco Bay Salt Ponds taken from space. Photo: Sultan Al Neyadi
Sultan Al Neyadi marked US Independence Day celebrations by posting images of the Great Salt Lake and the San Francisco Bay Salt Ponds taken from space. Photo: Sultan Al Neyadi
Sultan Al Neyadi marked US Independence Day celebrations by posting images of the Great Salt Lake and the San Francisco Bay Salt Ponds taken from space. Photo: Sultan Al Neyadi

UAE

How the UAE marked US Independence Day at home and in space

The Burj Khalifa turned red, white and blue as Sultan Al Neyadi paid tribute from the International Space Station

The National

July 05, 2023

  • English
  • Arabic

The UAE marked America's Independence Day in spectacular style – both at home and 400km above Earth on the International Space Station.

Dubai's Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, was bathed in red, white and blue for a towering tribute to the July 4 holiday.

It was one of a number of landmarks across the Emirates decked out in the American national colours.

The US flag was also proudly on display at Adnoc's headquarters in Abu Dhabi.

Emirati astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi offered his own best wishes from the ISS, sharing two pictures of the country's landscape.

"Happy 4th of July to all my American friends! Sharing with you some snapshots of nature’s artistry from this beautiful land I’ve had the privilege to call home and made some great memories," Dr Al Neyadi said.

"The photos are of the Great Salt Lake in Utah and San Francisco Bay Salt Ponds."

President Sheikh Mohamed sent a message of congratulations to US counterpart Joe Biden on the occasion, state news agency Wam reported on Tuesday.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court, sent similar messages to the US president.

American Independence Day commemorates the Declaration of Independence, which was ratified on July 4, 1776, heralding the birth of the US and its separation from the British Empire.

Independence Day celebrations - in pictures

Fireworks on the boardwalk at New York's historic Coney Island. Photo: Bob Jagendorf
Fireworks on the boardwalk at New York's historic Coney Island. Photo: Bob Jagendorf
Face-painting is often a US holiday tradition. Photo: US National Archives
Face-painting is often a US holiday tradition. Photo: US National Archives
The National Archives celebrates Independence Day with musical performances, a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence, and history-related family activities, this time in 2019 in Washington DC. Nara Photo by Jeffrey Reed.
The National Archives celebrates Independence Day with musical performances, a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence, and history-related family activities, this time in 2019 in Washington DC. Nara Photo by Jeffrey Reed.
Washington Nationals Racing Presidents stop at the National Archives to shoot a new fourth-inning race introduction video, where they were met by US Archivist David Ferriero.
Washington Nationals Racing Presidents stop at the National Archives to shoot a new fourth-inning race introduction video, where they were met by US Archivist David Ferriero.
Visitors read the US Constitution on display at the National Archives in Washington.
Visitors read the US Constitution on display at the National Archives in Washington.
The skyrockets' red glare lights up the Washington Monument. Photo: Joseph Gruber
The skyrockets' red glare lights up the Washington Monument. Photo: Joseph Gruber
The National Archives celebrates Independence Day with musical performances, a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence, and history-related family activities on July 4, 2019, in Washington DC. NARA Photo by Jeffrey Reed.
The National Archives celebrates Independence Day with musical performances, a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence, and history-related family activities on July 4, 2019, in Washington DC. NARA Photo by Jeffrey Reed.
A man and his patriotic dog show their civic pride. Photo Faith Goble
A man and his patriotic dog show their civic pride. Photo Faith Goble
Role players recreate a scene from 1776 for an audience outside Washington's National Archives. Photo: US National Archives
Role players recreate a scene from 1776 for an audience outside Washington's National Archives. Photo: US National Archives
Disneyland's Space Mountain and an epic fireworks display. Photo: Don Sullivan
Disneyland's Space Mountain and an epic fireworks display. Photo: Don Sullivan
The National Archives celebrates Independence Day with musical performances, a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence, and history-related family activities on July 4, 2019 in Washington DC. NARA Photo by Ted Chaffman.
The National Archives celebrates Independence Day with musical performances, a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence, and history-related family activities on July 4, 2019 in Washington DC. NARA Photo by Ted Chaffman.
Costumed role players participate in Washington's Independence Day tradition. Photo: US National Archives
Costumed role players participate in Washington's Independence Day tradition. Photo: US National Archives
Independence Day in the US is celebrated from coast to coast. Photo: US Army
Independence Day in the US is celebrated from coast to coast. Photo: US Army
Flag-bearing Fourth of July revellers rumble through the streets of middle America. Photo: Ken Mattison
Flag-bearing Fourth of July revellers rumble through the streets of middle America. Photo: Ken Mattison
Macy's department store hosts one of the nation's largest displays of fireworks on New York's East River. Photo: Dan Nguyen
Macy's department store hosts one of the nation's largest displays of fireworks on New York's East River. Photo: Dan Nguyen
A four-legged American shows its colours. Photo: Randy Robertson
A four-legged American shows its colours. Photo: Randy Robertson
Parades throughout the streets of America are a Fourth of July tradition and give classic car owners a chance to strut their stuff. Photo: Robert Couse-Baker
Parades throughout the streets of America are a Fourth of July tradition and give classic car owners a chance to strut their stuff. Photo: Robert Couse-Baker
Residents of Berkeley, California, enjoy an evening of pyrotechnics. Photo: Daniel Parks
Residents of Berkeley, California, enjoy an evening of pyrotechnics. Photo: Daniel Parks
A giant bald eagle balloon makes its way through Washington and past the National Archives. Photo: US National Archives
A giant bald eagle balloon makes its way through Washington and past the National Archives. Photo: US National Archives
The National Archives hosts an annual Independence Day celebration with musical performances, a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence, and history-related family activities. Photo: US National Archives
The National Archives hosts an annual Independence Day celebration with musical performances, a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence, and history-related family activities. Photo: US National Archives
An air dancer by the National Archives on the Fourth of July in Washington. Photo: US National Archives
An air dancer by the National Archives on the Fourth of July in Washington. Photo: US National Archives
The National Mall, with Washington monuments and the US Capitol in the background, forms a beautiful and patriotic backdrop to America's Independence Day celebrations. Photo: Carol Highsmith
The National Mall, with Washington monuments and the US Capitol in the background, forms a beautiful and patriotic backdrop to America's Independence Day celebrations. Photo: Carol Highsmith
War 2

Director: Ayan Mukerji

Stars: Hrithik Roshan, NTR, Kiara Advani, Ashutosh Rana

Rating: 2/5

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Who was Alfred Nobel?

The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.

  • In his will he dictated that the bulk of his estate should be used to fund "prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind".
  • Nobel is best known as the inventor of dynamite, but also wrote poetry and drama and could speak Russian, French, English and German by the age of 17. The five original prize categories reflect the interests closest to his heart.
  • Nobel died in 1896 but it took until 1901, following a legal battle over his will, before the first prizes were awarded.
Company%20Profile
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While you're here
Countries recognising Palestine

France, UK, Canada, Australia, Portugal, Belgium, Malta, Luxembourg, San Marino and Andorra

 

World record transfers

1. Kylian Mbappe - to Real Madrid in 2017/18 - €180 million (Dh770.4m - if a deal goes through)
2. Paul Pogba - to Manchester United in 2016/17 - €105m
3. Gareth Bale - to Real Madrid in 2013/14 - €101m
4. Cristiano Ronaldo - to Real Madrid in 2009/10 - €94m
5. Gonzalo Higuain - to Juventus in 2016/17 - €90m
6. Neymar - to Barcelona in 2013/14 - €88.2m
7. Romelu Lukaku - to Manchester United in 2017/18 - €84.7m
8. Luis Suarez - to Barcelona in 2014/15 - €81.72m
9. Angel di Maria - to Manchester United in 2014/15 - €75m
10. James Rodriguez - to Real Madrid in 2014/15 - €75m

Essentials

The flights

Etihad (etihad.ae) and flydubai (flydubai.com) fly direct to Baku three times a week from Dh1,250 return, including taxes. 
 

The stay

A seven-night “Fundamental Detox” programme at the Chenot Palace (chenotpalace.com/en) costs from €3,000 (Dh13,197) per person, including taxes, accommodation, 3 medical consultations, 2 nutritional consultations, a detox diet, a body composition analysis, a bio-energetic check-up, four Chenot bio-energetic treatments, six Chenot energetic massages, six hydro-aromatherapy treatments, six phyto-mud treatments, six hydro-jet treatments and access to the gym, indoor pool, sauna and steam room. Additional tests and treatments cost extra.

Test

Director: S Sashikanth

Cast: Nayanthara, Siddharth, Meera Jasmine, R Madhavan

Star rating: 2/5

The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo

Power: 247hp at 6,500rpm

Torque: 370Nm from 1,500-3,500rpm

Transmission: 10-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 7.8L/100km

Price: from Dh94,900

On sale: now

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%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2.0-litre%204cyl%20turbo%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E261hp%20at%205%2C500rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E400Nm%20at%201%2C750-4%2C000rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E7-speed%20dual-clutch%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFuel%20consumption%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E10.5L%2F100km%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENow%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh129%2C999%20(VX%20Luxury)%3B%20from%20Dh149%2C999%20(VX%20Black%20Gold)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
Jetour T1 specs

Engine: 2-litre turbocharged

Power: 254hp

Torque: 390Nm

Price: From Dh126,000

Available: Now

The specs

Engine: 1.5-litre turbo

Power: 181hp

Torque: 230Nm

Transmission: 6-speed automatic

Starting price: Dh79,000

On sale: Now

Tearful appearance

Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday. 

Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow. 

She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.

A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.

While you're here
Fixtures

50-over match

UAE v Lancashire, starts at 10am

Champion County match

MCC v Surrey, four-day match, starting on Sunday, March 24, play starts at 10am

Both matches are at ICC Academy, Dubai Sports City. Admission is free.

Mina Cup winners

Under 12 – Minerva Academy

Under 14 – Unam Pumas

Under 16 – Fursan Hispania

Under 18 – Madenat

THE CLOWN OF GAZA

Director: Abdulrahman Sabbah 

Starring: Alaa Meqdad

Rating: 4/5

Get Out

Director: Jordan Peele

Stars: Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams, Catherine Keener, Bradley Whitford

Four stars

HIJRA

Starring: Lamar Faden, Khairiah Nathmy, Nawaf Al-Dhufairy

Director: Shahad Ameen

Rating: 3/5

Whiile you're here
Kareem Shaheen on Canada
Quick pearls of wisdom

Focus on gratitude: And do so deeply, he says. “Think of one to three things a day that you’re grateful for. It needs to be specific, too, don’t just say ‘air.’ Really think about it. If you’re grateful for, say, what your parents have done for you, that will motivate you to do more for the world.”

Know how to fight: Shetty married his wife, Radhi, three years ago (he met her in a meditation class before he went off and became a monk). He says they’ve had to learn to respect each other’s “fighting styles” – he’s a talk it-out-immediately person, while she needs space to think. “When you’re having an argument, remember, it’s not you against each other. It’s both of you against the problem. When you win, they lose. If you’re on a team you have to win together.” 

Updated: July 05, 2023, 9:35 AM
USUAEBurj Khalifa