UAE pupils say Sultan Al Neyadi is pride of the nation before historic space launch


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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 by Sultan Al Neyadi's mission, three-year-old Shaikha Saeed Al Falasi wore a space suit to school last week. Photo: American Academy for Girls
Excited by Sultan Al Neyadi's mission, three-year-old Shaikha Saeed Al Falasi wore a space suit to school last week. Photo: American Academy for Girls

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."

If you go
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.

When to go: Florida is best experienced during the winter months, from November to May, before the humidity kicks in.

How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.
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Stuck in a job without a pay rise? Here's what to do

Chris Greaves, the managing director of Hays Gulf Region, says those without a pay rise for an extended period must start asking questions – both of themselves and their employer.

“First, are they happy with that or do they want more?” he says. “Job-seeking is a time-consuming, frustrating and long-winded affair so are they prepared to put themselves through that rigmarole? Before they consider that, they must ask their employer what is happening.”

Most employees bring up pay rise queries at their annual performance appraisal and find out what the company has in store for them from a career perspective.

Those with no formal appraisal system, Mr Greaves says, should ask HR or their line manager for an assessment.

“You want to find out how they value your contribution and where your job could go,” he says. “You’ve got to be brave enough to ask some questions and if you don’t like the answers then you have to develop a strategy or change jobs if you are prepared to go through the job-seeking process.”

For those that do reach the salary negotiation with their current employer, Mr Greaves says there is no point in asking for less than 5 per cent.

“However, this can only really have any chance of success if you can identify where you add value to the business (preferably you can put a monetary value on it), or you can point to a sustained contribution above the call of duty or to other achievements you think your employer will value.”

 

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Bombshell

Director: Jay Roach

Stars: Nicole Kidman, Charlize Theron, Margot Robbie 

Four out of five stars 

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The Details

Kabir Singh

Produced by: Cinestaan Studios, T-Series

Directed by: Sandeep Reddy Vanga

Starring: Shahid Kapoor, Kiara Advani, Suresh Oberoi, Soham Majumdar, Arjun Pahwa

Rating: 2.5/5 

The specs: 2018 Mazda CX-5

Price, base / as tested: Dh89,000 / Dh130,000
Engine: 2.5-litre four-cylinder
Power: 188hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque: 251Nm @ 4,000rpm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
​​​​​​​Fuel consumption, combined: 7.1L / 100km

Gothia Cup 2025

4,872 matches 

1,942 teams

116 pitches

76 nations

26 UAE teams

15 Lebanese teams

2 Kuwaiti teams

SPECS
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Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills

Where to Find Me by Alba Arikha
Alma Books 

Ferrari 12Cilindri specs

Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12

Power: 819hp

Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm

Price: From Dh1,700,000

Available: Now

PROFILE OF SWVL

Started: April 2017

Founders: Mostafa Kandil, Ahmed Sabbah and Mahmoud Nouh

Based: Cairo, Egypt

Sector: transport

Size: 450 employees

Investment: approximately $80 million

Investors include: Dubai’s Beco Capital, US’s Endeavor Catalyst, China’s MSA, Egypt’s Sawari Ventures, Sweden’s Vostok New Ventures, Property Finder CEO Michael Lahyani

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Our legal consultant

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
What went into the film

25 visual effects (VFX) studios

2,150 VFX shots in a film with 2,500 shots

1,000 VFX artists

3,000 technicians

10 Concept artists, 25 3D designers

New sound technology, named 4D SRL

 

Brief scores:

​​​​​​Toss: Pakhtunkhwa Zalmi, chose to field

​Environment Agency: 193-3 (20 ov)
Ikhlaq 76 not out, Khaliya 58, Ahsan 55

Pakhtunkhwa Zalmi: 194-2 (18.3 ov)
Afridi 95 not out, Sajid 55, Rizwan 36 not out

Result: Pakhtunkhwa won by 8 wickets

Test

Director: S Sashikanth

Cast: Nayanthara, Siddharth, Meera Jasmine, R Madhavan

Star rating: 2/5

How being social media savvy can improve your well being

Next time when procastinating online remember that you can save thousands on paying for a personal trainer and a gym membership simply by watching YouTube videos and keeping up with the latest health tips and trends.

As social media apps are becoming more and more consumed by health experts and nutritionists who are using it to awareness and encourage patients to engage in physical activity.

Elizabeth Watson, a personal trainer from Stay Fit gym in Abu Dhabi suggests that “individuals can use social media as a means of keeping fit, there are a lot of great exercises you can do and train from experts at home just by watching videos on YouTube”.

Norlyn Torrena, a clinical nutritionist from Burjeel Hospital advises her clients to be more technologically active “most of my clients are so engaged with their phones that I advise them to download applications that offer health related services”.

Torrena said that “most people believe that dieting and keeping fit is boring”.

However, by using social media apps keeping fit means that people are “modern and are kept up to date with the latest heath tips and trends”.

“It can be a guide to a healthy lifestyle and exercise if used in the correct way, so I really encourage my clients to download health applications” said Mrs Torrena.

People can also connect with each other and exchange “tips and notes, it’s extremely healthy and fun”.

T10 Cricket League
Sharjah Cricket Stadium
December 14- 17
6pm, Opening ceremony, followed by:
Bengal Tigers v Kerala Kings 
Maratha Arabians v Pakhtoons
Tickets available online at q-tickets.com/t10

Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi

Director: Kangana Ranaut, Krish Jagarlamudi

Producer: Zee Studios, Kamal Jain

Cast: Kangana Ranaut, Ankita Lokhande, Danny Denzongpa, Atul Kulkarni

Rating: 2.5/5

Countdown to Zero exhibition will show how disease can be beaten

Countdown to Zero: Defeating Disease, an international multimedia exhibition created by the American Museum of National History in collaboration with The Carter Center, will open in Abu Dhabi a  month before Reaching the Last Mile.

Opening on October 15 and running until November 15, the free exhibition opens at The Galleria mall on Al Maryah Island, and has already been seen at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum in Atlanta, the American Museum of Natural History in New York, and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

 

The lowdown

Rating: 4/5

The specs: Audi e-tron

Price, base: From Dh325,000 (estimate)

Engine: Twin electric motors and 95kWh battery pack

Transmission: Single-speed auto

Power: 408hp

Torque: 664Nm

Range: 400 kilometres

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ESSENTIALS

The flights

Emirates flies from Dubai to Phnom Penh via Yangon from Dh2,700 return including taxes. Cambodia Bayon Airlines and Cambodia Angkor Air offer return flights from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap from Dh250 return including taxes. The flight takes about 45 minutes.

The hotels

Rooms at the Raffles Le Royal in Phnom Penh cost from $225 (Dh826) per night including taxes. Rooms at the Grand Hotel d'Angkor cost from $261 (Dh960) per night including taxes.

The tours

A cyclo architecture tour of Phnom Penh costs from $20 (Dh75) per person for about three hours, with Khmer Architecture Tours. Tailor-made tours of all of Cambodia, or sites like Angkor alone, can be arranged by About Asia Travel. Emirates Holidays also offers packages. 

Updated: March 02, 2023, 6:57 AM`