LIVE STREAM: Sultan Al Neyadi blast-offs off to space
UAE schoolchildren praised Sultan Al Neyadi for making "all Emiratis proud" as he prepares to blast off to the International Space Station on a history-making six-month mission.
Dr Al Neyadi and his three Crew-6 colleagues are expected to launch from Kennedy Space Centre in Florida at 9.34am, UAE time, on Thursday.
Lift-off was initially set for Monday but a technical fault discovered at the 11th hour, involving a chemical used to ignite the Falcon 9 rocket’s powerful Merlin engine, caused the SpaceX flight to be delayed.
Nasa said on Wednesday that the revised flight date was "go for launch" after a readiness review, weather briefing and mission management meeting.
Dr Al Neyadi will embark on the longest space journey undertaken by an Arab astronaut, coming three and half years after Hazza Al Mansouri became the first Emirati to travel into space.
Astronaut is an inspiration
Hamed Al Qubaisi, 16, an Emirati student at Al Bateen Academy in Abu Dhabi, said Dr Al Neyadi's exploits had prompted many pupils to consider careers in the space sector.
“I am very proud of his achievement and what he has accomplished," he said.
“It inspires us a lot. My friends and I like talking about space.
“I will watch his videos and his interviews and I want to know more about how he feels going into space.”
Dr Al Neyadi will speak to pupils across the country each week during his space odyssey.
Live streams and pre-recorded videos will be broadcast each week to hundreds of schools in the country, in which Dr Al Neyadi will share what life in space is like.
For Omar El Tamamy, 15, an Egyptian pupil at Al Bateen Academy, the latest UAE space project is a proud moment for the entire Arab world.
“I'm currently working on astrophysics and on my physics lessons, which I really enjoy. I love learning about the different stars and planets,” Omar said.
Eight-year-old Emirati Saqr Al Naqbi is captivated by the achievements of both Maj Al Mansouri and Dr Al Neyadi.
“I am now more proud that we have a second astronaut going to space … an Emirati going to space again," said the second-grade pupil at American International School in Abu Dhabi.
The pupil is enthralled by space and has covered his room in drawings of astronauts.
He is not alone in feeling star-struck.
In October, Repton Abu Dhabi set a Guinness world record for the largest gathering of people dressed as astronauts.
A total of 940 young learners aged between 7 and 12 swapped their uniforms for self-made spacesuits adorned with badges marking the country they hail from.
The school made the record attempt to celebrate the UAE's rapid advances in space exploration.
'He is representing all Emiratis'
Abdul Aziz Al Otaiba, 18, an Emirati pupil at Gems Wellington Academy Al Khail in Dubai, said he would like to ask Dr Al Neyadi what made him want to become an astronaut.
Mr Al Otaiba shared the same ambition as a young child, but now hopes to apply for studies in business relationships or politics.
Yet he is still in awe of Dr Al Neyadi.
"He makes all the Emiratis proud and he took a big responsibility," Mr Al Otaiba said.
"He's representing all the Emiratis and deserves it because he worked hard for it.
"I wish him the best and hope he comes back safely."
He said his school had organised assemblies and classes on space to inform pupils of the mission.
Syeda Hussain, a 15-year-old Pakistani pupil at Gems Metropole School, grew up in the UAE and was excited to have an astronaut from the country go to space.
"I'm very, very excited ...as a girl with profound interest in Stem [an umbrella term for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics], witnessing an astronaut from the UAE embarking on a journey to the final frontier fills me with a sense of great ambition and passion to push the boundaries of what is possible," she said.
Excited for Dr Al Neyadi's journey to the stars, Shaikha Saeed Al Falasi, 3, wore a space suit to school last week.
"I love the UAE," said the pupil at the American Academy for Girls in Dubai when asked why she donned the uniform.
Amna Mohammed, a nine-year-old Emirati pupil also at the American Academy for Girls, has written articles on Dr Al Neyadi.
"He is an inspirational person. And he's also very brave to go to space," she said.
“I know he will do lots of tests in six months and we will be watching him."
THE SPECS
2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid LE
Engine: 1.8 litre combined with 16-volt electric motors
Transmission: Automatic with manual shifting mode
Power: 121hp
Torque: 142Nm
Price: Dh95,900
Key figures in the life of the fort
Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.
Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.
Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.
Sources: Jayanti Maitra, www.adach.ae
The Case For Trump
By Victor Davis Hanson
'Unrivaled: Why America Will Remain the World’s Sole Superpower'
Michael Beckley, Cornell Press
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
Essentials
The flights
Emirates, Etihad and Malaysia Airlines all fly direct from the UAE to Kuala Lumpur and on to Penang from about Dh2,300 return, including taxes.
Where to stay
In Kuala Lumpur, Element is a recently opened, futuristic hotel high up in a Norman Foster-designed skyscraper. Rooms cost from Dh400 per night, including taxes. Hotel Stripes, also in KL, is a great value design hotel, with an infinity rooftop pool. Rooms cost from Dh310, including taxes.
In Penang, Ren i Tang is a boutique b&b in what was once an ancient Chinese Medicine Hall in the centre of Little India. Rooms cost from Dh220, including taxes.
23 Love Lane in Penang is a luxury boutique heritage hotel in a converted mansion, with private tropical gardens. Rooms cost from Dh400, including taxes.
In Langkawi, Temple Tree is a unique architectural villa hotel consisting of antique houses from all across Malaysia. Rooms cost from Dh350, including taxes.
My Country: A Syrian Memoir
Kassem Eid, Bloomsbury
Employment lawyer Meriel Schindler of Withers Worldwide shares her tips on achieving equal pay
Do your homework
Make sure that you are being offered a fair salary. There is lots of industry data available, and you can always talk to people who have come out of the organisation. Where I see people coming a cropper is where they haven’t done their homework.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
It’s quite standard to negotiate if you think an offer is on the low side. The job is unlikely to be withdrawn if you ask for money, and if that did happen I’d question whether you want to work for an employer who is so hypersensitive.
Know your worth
Women tend to be a bit more reticent to talk about their achievements. In my experience they need to have more confidence in their own abilities – men will big up what they’ve done to get a pay rise, and to compete women need to turn up the volume.
Work together
If you suspect men in your organisation are being paid more, look your boss in the eye and say, “I want you to assure me that I’m paid equivalent to my peers”. If you’re not getting a straight answer, talk to your peer group and consider taking direct action to fix inequality.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The candidates
Dr Ayham Ammora, scientist and business executive
Ali Azeem, business leader
Tony Booth, professor of education
Lord Browne, former BP chief executive
Dr Mohamed El-Erian, economist
Professor Wyn Evans, astrophysicist
Dr Mark Mann, scientist
Gina MIller, anti-Brexit campaigner
Lord Smith, former Cabinet minister
Sandi Toksvig, broadcaster
The%20specs
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Breast cancer in men: the facts
1) Breast cancer is men is rare but can develop rapidly. It usually occurs in those over the ages of 60, but can occasionally affect younger men.
2) Symptoms can include a lump, discharge, swollen glands or a rash.
3) People with a history of cancer in the family can be more susceptible.
4) Treatments include surgery and chemotherapy but early diagnosis is the key.
5) Anyone concerned is urged to contact their doctor
The specs: 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA
Price, base / as tested Dh150,900 / Dh173,600
Engine 2.0L inline four-cylinder
Transmission Seven-speed automatic
Power 211hp @ 5,500rpm
Torque 350Nm @ 1,200rpm
Fuel economy, combined 6.4L / 100km
