Three of the 16 Emirati engineers assigned to the DubaiSat-1 project work on the satellite in Daejeon, South Korea.
Three of the 16 Emirati engineers assigned to the DubaiSat-1 project work on the satellite in Daejeon, South Korea.
The Palm Jebel Ali pictured from DubaiSat-1.
The Palm Jebel Ali pictured from DubaiSat-1.
Mohamed Al Ghanim, board chairman of EIAST (Emirates Institute for Advanced Science and Technology) left and Ahmed Al Mansoori, director general of EIAST, with a model of the DubaiSat-1 satellite at a press conference announcing the successful launch of the satellite. The National
Mohamed Al Ghanim, board chairman of EIAST (Emirates Institute for Advanced Science and Technology) left and Ahmed Al Mansoori, director general of EIAST, with a model of the DubaiSat-1 satellite at a press conference announcing the successful launch of the satellite. The National
DubaiSat-1 celebrated five years in in space in 2014 with a snapshot of Dubai. Courtesy Eiast
DubaiSat-1 celebrated five years in in space in 2014 with a snapshot of Dubai. Courtesy Eiast
World Islands in Dubai from DubaiSat-1. Courtesy EIAST
World Islands in Dubai from DubaiSat-1. Courtesy EIAST

UAE

Science

DubaiSat-1: the 2009 satellite that launched UAE's stellar space ambitions

Space chiefs reflect on milestone moment 12 years ago as they set sights on moon mission

The National

July 31, 2021

  • English
  • Arabic

The UAE has moved into the fast lane of the global space race in recent years after sending its first astronaut to the International Space Station and journeying into the orbit of Mars.

A landmark moon mission is also firmly in the sights of the country's burgeoning space agency, while the UAE also recruited the Arab world's first female astronaut this year.

While space chiefs are looking to the future with huge optimism and anticipation, they are also reflecting on a milestone moment 12 years ago that provided the launchpad for their bold dreams.

On July 29, 2009, the UAE fired its first satellite into the skies. DubaiSat-1, an Earth observation satellite that lifted off from Kazakhstan, went on to play a key role in urban developments from outer space.

It provided government bodies with pictures and data, assisting with projects carried out on Palm Jumeirah and Al Maktoum International Airport.

It also assisted with monitoring environmental patterns and weather changes.

Among the images it transmitted, the satellite, which cost US$50 million (Dh183.6m) to develop, captured imagery for the Emirates Atlas, a physical and online map of the UAE.

Such was its contribution it kept a watching brief over the Emirates and the rest of the world for six years - one year longer than planned.

The success of the UAE's maiden satellite paved the way for the remarkable progress to follow.

READ MORE

We have lift-off: UAE's DMSat-1 satellite launches into space

In 2018, engineers at the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre in Dubai launched their first 100 per cent Emirati-built satellite KhalifaSat.

The Hope probe successfully reached the orbit of Mars in February, as the UAE's space agency joined an elite club of five that have sent a spacecraft to the Red Planet.

In March, Dubai's environment nanosat, DMSat-1, launched into space from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

Dubai Municipality and Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre will use the data it collects to create an air quality map of the UAE.

Built by the University of Toronto’s Space Flight Laboratory, the 15-kilogram small satellite will use three scientific instruments to gather data – a polarimeter imager and two spectrometers.

UAE's mission to Mars

Engineers assemble the Hope Probe. Courtesy MBR Space Centre / Dubai Media Office
Engineers assemble the Hope Probe. Courtesy MBR Space Centre / Dubai Media Office
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai; Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior; Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Dubai Crown Prince, visit the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Space Centre. Wam
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai; Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior; Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Dubai Crown Prince, visit the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Space Centre. Wam
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, sign a piece of the Hope Probe, which will be launched to Mars in July, at Qasr Al Watan. Hamad Al Kaabi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, sign a piece of the Hope Probe, which will be launched to Mars in July, at Qasr Al Watan. Hamad Al Kaabi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - January 05, 2020: HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces (front row 3rd R) and HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President, Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Defence (front row 4th R), stand for a photograph after signing a piece of the Hope Probe, which will be launched to Mars in July, at Qasr Al Watan. Seen with HH Lt General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior (front row 2nd R), HH Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs (front row 5th R), HE Sarah Yousif Al Amiri, UAE Minister of State for Advanced Sciences (front row 6th R) and HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (front row 7th R). ( Hamad Al Kaabi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs ) ---
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - January 05, 2020: HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces (front row 3rd R) and HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President, Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Defence (front row 4th R), stand for a photograph after signing a piece of the Hope Probe, which will be launched to Mars in July, at Qasr Al Watan. Seen with HH Lt General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior (front row 2nd R), HH Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs (front row 5th R), HE Sarah Yousif Al Amiri, UAE Minister of State for Advanced Sciences (front row 6th R) and HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (front row 7th R). ( Hamad Al Kaabi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs ) ---
The UAE's mission to Mars, the Hope Probe.
The UAE's mission to Mars, the Hope Probe.
A plaque featuring the UAE's new Nation Brand, a logo featuring seven lines representing the leaders of the seven Emirates who agreed to unite the country under one flag, has been attached to the Hope Probe, due to blast off for Mars in the summer. Wam
A plaque featuring the UAE's new Nation Brand, a logo featuring seven lines representing the leaders of the seven Emirates who agreed to unite the country under one flag, has been attached to the Hope Probe, due to blast off for Mars in the summer. Wam
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, witness the installation of the final piece of the Hope Probe. Courtesy: Dubai Media Office Twitter
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, witness the installation of the final piece of the Hope Probe. Courtesy: Dubai Media Office Twitter
Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said that the Hope Probe is a testament to the capabilities of the youth of the UAE. The project, which represents a historic achievement for the nation, also sends a message of hope to youth in the Arab world. Sheikh Mohammed’s remarks came as he was ceremonially handed the last component of the Hope Probe during an event held to mark its installation. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre also attended the event. Wam
Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said that the Hope Probe is a testament to the capabilities of the youth of the UAE. The project, which represents a historic achievement for the nation, also sends a message of hope to youth in the Arab world. Sheikh Mohammed’s remarks came as he was ceremonially handed the last component of the Hope Probe during an event held to mark its installation. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre also attended the event. Wam
Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said that the Hope Probe is a testament to the capabilities of the youth of the UAE. The project, which represents a historic achievement for the nation, also sends a message of hope to youth in the Arab world. Sheikh Mohammed’s remarks came as he was ceremonially handed the last component of the Hope Probe during an event held to mark its installation. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre also attended the event. Wam
Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said that the Hope Probe is a testament to the capabilities of the youth of the UAE. The project, which represents a historic achievement for the nation, also sends a message of hope to youth in the Arab world. Sheikh Mohammed’s remarks came as he was ceremonially handed the last component of the Hope Probe during an event held to mark its installation. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre also attended the event. Wam
Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said that the Hope Probe is a testament to the capabilities of the youth of the UAE. The project, which represents a historic achievement for the nation, also sends a message of hope to youth in the Arab world. Sheikh Mohammed’s remarks came as he was ceremonially handed the last component of the Hope Probe during an event held to mark its installation. In photo is Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre also attended the event. Wam
Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said that the Hope Probe is a testament to the capabilities of the youth of the UAE. The project, which represents a historic achievement for the nation, also sends a message of hope to youth in the Arab world. Sheikh Mohammed’s remarks came as he was ceremonially handed the last component of the Hope Probe during an event held to mark its installation. In photo is Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre also attended the event. Wam
Sheikh Mohammed was briefed by the Hope Probe team at the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre headquarters about the final technical and logistical preparations and testing procedures ahead of the Hope Probe’s launch in July. Wam
Sheikh Mohammed was briefed by the Hope Probe team at the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre headquarters about the final technical and logistical preparations and testing procedures ahead of the Hope Probe’s launch in July. Wam
The H-IIA (F42) launch vehicle at the Tanegashima Space Centre in Japan is being prepared for the launch. Courtesy: Dubai Media Office
The H-IIA (F42) launch vehicle at the Tanegashima Space Centre in Japan is being prepared for the launch. Courtesy: Dubai Media Office
The Hope probe will launch on July 15 at 12.51am. Courtesy: Emirates Mars Mission
The Hope probe will launch on July 15 at 12.51am. Courtesy: Emirates Mars Mission
Final preparations are under way at the launch site for the UAE Mars Mission in Japan's Tanegashima Island. The Hope probe was placed inside this payload fairing last week and was transferred to building where the rocket is kept. Courtesy: Shoma Watanbe
Final preparations are under way at the launch site for the UAE Mars Mission in Japan's Tanegashima Island. The Hope probe was placed inside this payload fairing last week and was transferred to building where the rocket is kept. Courtesy: Shoma Watanbe
Rocket carrying Hope probe to space has arrived at launch pad in Tanegashima island, Japan. Courtesy: Yoshiaki Sakita
Rocket carrying Hope probe to space has arrived at launch pad in Tanegashima island, Japan. Courtesy: Yoshiaki Sakita
People watch a big screen displaying the launch of the Hope Probe from Tanegashima Island in Japan, at the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre in Dubai, United Arab Emirates July 20, 2020. REUTERS/Ahmed Jadallah
People watch a big screen displaying the launch of the Hope Probe from Tanegashima Island in Japan, at the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre in Dubai, United Arab Emirates July 20, 2020. REUTERS/Ahmed Jadallah
In this handout photograph taken and released on July 20, 2020 by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries an H-2A rocket carrying the Hope Probe known as "Al-Amal" in Arabic, developed by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to explore Mars, blasts off from Tanegashima Space Centre in southwestern Japan. The first Arab space mission to Mars blasted off on July 20 aboard a rocket from Japan, with the probe dubbed "Hope" successfully separating about an hour after liftoff. - --- RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / (MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES)" - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS --- / AFP / Mitsubishi Heavy Industries / Handout / --- RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / (MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES)" - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS ---
In this handout photograph taken and released on July 20, 2020 by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries an H-2A rocket carrying the Hope Probe known as "Al-Amal" in Arabic, developed by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to explore Mars, blasts off from Tanegashima Space Centre in southwestern Japan. The first Arab space mission to Mars blasted off on July 20 aboard a rocket from Japan, with the probe dubbed "Hope" successfully separating about an hour after liftoff. - --- RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / (MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES)" - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS --- / AFP / Mitsubishi Heavy Industries / Handout / --- RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / (MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES)" - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS ---
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES. 20 JULY 2020. Post launch briefing of the Hope Probe to Mars at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Center. LtoR: Hamad Obaid Al Mansouri, the Chairman of the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), H.E. Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and Small and Medium Enterprises and Omran Sharaf, Project Manager of Emirates Mars Mission, Hope Probe (Photo: Antonie Robertson/The National) Journalist: Sarwat. Section: National.
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES. 20 JULY 2020. Post launch briefing of the Hope Probe to Mars at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Center. LtoR: Hamad Obaid Al Mansouri, the Chairman of the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), H.E. Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and Small and Medium Enterprises and Omran Sharaf, Project Manager of Emirates Mars Mission, Hope Probe (Photo: Antonie Robertson/The National) Journalist: Sarwat. Section: National.
Zakareyya Al Shamshi, deputy manager of Mission Operation, at the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre headquarters in Al Khawaneej. Antonie Robertson / The National
Zakareyya Al Shamshi, deputy manager of Mission Operation, at the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre headquarters in Al Khawaneej. Antonie Robertson / The National
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES. 27 JULY 2020. MBRSC headquarters in Al Khawaneej. One week today since the Hope probe launched to Mars. LtoR: Mohammed Alblooshi, Flight Controller and Hamad Alhazami, Command and Control operator. (Photo: Antonie Robertson/The National) Journalist: Sarwat Nasir. Section: National.
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES. 27 JULY 2020. MBRSC headquarters in Al Khawaneej. One week today since the Hope probe launched to Mars. LtoR: Mohammed Alblooshi, Flight Controller and Hamad Alhazami, Command and Control operator. (Photo: Antonie Robertson/The National) Journalist: Sarwat Nasir. Section: National.
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES. 27 JULY 2020. MBRSC headquarters in Al Khawaneej. One week today since the Hope probe launched to Mars. LtoR: Mohammed Alblooshi, Flight Controller and Hamad Alhazami, Command and Control operator. (Photo: Antonie Robertson/The National) Journalist: Sarwat Nasir. Section: National.
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES. 27 JULY 2020. MBRSC headquarters in Al Khawaneej. One week today since the Hope probe launched to Mars. LtoR: Mohammed Alblooshi, Flight Controller and Hamad Alhazami, Command and Control operator. (Photo: Antonie Robertson/The National) Journalist: Sarwat Nasir. Section: National.
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - July 31, 2020: HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces front (front row 5th L), HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President, Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Defence (front row 4th L) and HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai (front row 3rd L), stand for a photograph with the Hope Probe team, during an honoring ceremony, at Qasr Al Watan. ( Hamad Al Kaabi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs )​ ---
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - July 31, 2020: HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces front (front row 5th L), HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President, Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Defence (front row 4th L) and HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai (front row 3rd L), stand for a photograph with the Hope Probe team, during an honoring ceremony, at Qasr Al Watan. ( Hamad Al Kaabi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs )​ ---
An image beamed back from the UAE's Hope Probe showing Saturn and Jupiter growing ever closer last month. Courtesy: Hope Probe / MBR Space Centre
An image beamed back from the UAE's Hope Probe showing Saturn and Jupiter growing ever closer last month. Courtesy: Hope Probe / MBR Space Centre
Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of State for Advanced Sciences and chairwoman of the UAE Space Agency, briefs Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, on the Hope probe mission. Courtesy: Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Twitter
Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of State for Advanced Sciences and chairwoman of the UAE Space Agency, briefs Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, on the Hope probe mission. Courtesy: Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Twitter
epa08989888 The under-construction Museum of The Future is illuminated in red as the color of Mars in the Gulf emirate of Dubai, United Arab Emirates on 05 February 2021. Landmarks in the UAE are lit up in red in support to the Hope Probe reaching to Mars orbit on 09 February 2021. The Emirates Mars Mission Hope Probe is the first planetary mission led by an Arab-Islamic country and the space probe is to study the Martian atmosphere. EPA/ALI HAIDER
epa08989888 The under-construction Museum of The Future is illuminated in red as the color of Mars in the Gulf emirate of Dubai, United Arab Emirates on 05 February 2021. Landmarks in the UAE are lit up in red in support to the Hope Probe reaching to Mars orbit on 09 February 2021. The Emirates Mars Mission Hope Probe is the first planetary mission led by an Arab-Islamic country and the space probe is to study the Martian atmosphere. EPA/ALI HAIDER
Sarah Al Amiri, UAE Minister of State for Advanced Sciences, at an event to mark Hope Probe's entering the orbit of Mars, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, February 9. Reuters
Sarah Al Amiri, UAE Minister of State for Advanced Sciences, at an event to mark Hope Probe's entering the orbit of Mars, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, February 9. Reuters

It will take scientific images of the atmosphere over the UAE, helping to measure the location and levels of air pollutants and greenhouse gases. Images will be received days after launch.

Last October it was announced the UAE would build a satellite to be named in honour of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.

MBZ-Sat is expected to be launched in 2023.

It will be put to civilian and commercial uses and will be built by Emirati scientists and engineers.





The First Monday in May
Director: Andrew Rossi
Starring: Anna Wintour, Karl Lagerfeld, John Paul Gaultier, Rihanna
Three stars

Company profile

Name: Tratok Portal

Founded: 2017

Based: UAE

Sector: Travel & tourism

Size: 36 employees

Funding: Privately funded

SPECS
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dual%20electric%20motors%20with%20102kW%20battery%20pack%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E570hp%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20890Nm%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERange%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Up%20to%20428km%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Now%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh1%2C700%2C000%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW

Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman

Director: Jesse Armstrong

Rating: 3.5/5

if you go

The flights

Etihad flies direct from Abu Dhabi to San Francisco from Dh5,760 return including taxes. 

The car

Etihad Guest members get a 10 per cent worldwide discount when booking with Hertz, as well as earning miles on their rentals (more at www.hertz.com/etihad). A week's car hire costs from Dh1,500 including taxes.

The hotels

Along the route, Motel 6 (www.motel6.com) offers good value and comfort, with rooms from $55 (Dh202) per night including taxes. In Portland, the Jupiter Hotel (https://jupiterhotel.com/) has rooms from $165 (Dh606) per night including taxes. The Society Hotel https://thesocietyhotel.com/ has rooms from $130 (Dh478) per night including taxes. 

More info

To keep up with constant developments in Portland, visit www.travelportland.com

 

Pakistan Super League

Previous winners

2016 Islamabad United

2017 Peshawar Zalmi

2018 Islamabad United

2019 Quetta Gladiators

 

Most runs Kamran Akmal – 1,286

Most wickets Wahab Riaz –65

Ferrari 12Cilindri specs

Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12

Power: 819hp

Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm

Price: From Dh1,700,000

Available: Now

Volvo ES90 Specs

Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)

Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp

Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm

On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region

Price: Exact regional pricing TBA

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
The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting

2. Prayer

3. Hajj

4. Shahada

5. Zakat 

While you're here
MATCH INFO

Confederations Cup Group B

Germany v Chile

Kick-off: Thursday, 10pm (UAE)

Where: Kazan Arena, Kazan

Watch live: Abu Dhabi Sports HD

The Programme

Saturday, October 26: ‘The Time That Remains’ (2009) by Elia Suleiman
Saturday, November 2: ‘Beginners’ (2010) by Mike Mills
Saturday, November 16: ‘Finding Vivian Maier’ (2013) by John Maloof and Charlie Siskel
Tuesday, November 26: ‘All the President’s Men’ (1976) by Alan J Pakula
Saturday, December 7: ‘Timbuktu’ (2014) by Abderrahmane Sissako
Saturday, December 21: ‘Rams’ (2015) by Grimur Hakonarson

UAE currency
Ticket prices
  • Golden circle - Dh995
  • Floor Standing - Dh495
  • Lower Bowl Platinum - Dh95
  • Lower Bowl premium - Dh795
  • Lower Bowl Plus - Dh695
  • Lower Bowl Standard- Dh595
  • Upper Bowl Premium - Dh395
  • Upper Bowl standard - Dh295
Earth under attack: Cosmic impacts throughout history

- 4.5 billion years ago: Mars-sized object smashes into the newly-formed Earth, creating debris that coalesces to form the Moon

- 66 million years ago: 10km-wide asteroid crashes into the Gulf of Mexico, wiping out over 70 per cent of living species – including the dinosaurs.

- 50,000 years ago: 50m-wide iron meteor crashes in Arizona with the violence of 10 megatonne hydrogen bomb, creating the famous 1.2km-wide Barringer Crater

- 1490: Meteor storm over Shansi Province, north-east China when large stones “fell like rain”, reportedly leading to thousands of deaths.  

- 1908: 100-metre meteor from the Taurid Complex explodes near the Tunguska river in Siberia with the force of 1,000 Hiroshima-type bombs, devastating 2,000 square kilometres of forest.

- 1998: Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 breaks apart and crashes into Jupiter in series of impacts that would have annihilated life on Earth.

-2013: 10,000-tonne meteor burns up over the southern Urals region of Russia, releasing a pressure blast and flash that left over 1600 people injured.

Lexus LX700h specs

Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor

Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm

Transmission: 10-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh590,000

How Islam's view of posthumous transplant surgery changed

Transplants from the deceased have been carried out in hospitals across the globe for decades, but in some countries in the Middle East, including the UAE, the practise was banned until relatively recently.

Opinion has been divided as to whether organ donations from a deceased person is permissible in Islam.

The body is viewed as sacred, during and after death, thus prohibiting cremation and tattoos.

One school of thought viewed the removal of organs after death as equally impermissible.

That view has largely changed, and among scholars and indeed many in society, to be seen as permissible to save another life.

More coverage from the Future Forum
Company%20Profile
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While you're here
Kareem Shaheen on Canada
While you're here
While you're here
While you're here
The BIO:

He became the first Emirati to climb Mount Everest in 2011, from the south section in Nepal

He ascended Mount Everest the next year from the more treacherous north Tibetan side

By 2015, he had completed the Explorers Grand Slam

Last year, he conquered K2, the world’s second-highest mountain located on the Pakistan-Chinese border

He carries dried camel meat, dried dates and a wheat mixture for the final summit push

His new goal is to climb 14 peaks that are more than 8,000 metres above sea level

On Women's Day
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
What can victims do?

Always use only regulated platforms

Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion

Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)

Report to local authorities

Warn others to prevent further harm

Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence

ENGLAND%20SQUAD
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On Women's Day
The years Ramadan fell in May

1987

1954

1921

1888

SPECS
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F1 The Movie

Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem

Director: Joseph Kosinski

Rating: 4/5

Whiile you're here
Conflict, drought, famine

Estimates of the number of deaths caused by the famine range from 400,000 to 1 million, according to a document prepared for the UK House of Lords in 2024.
It has been claimed that the policies of the Ethiopian government, which took control after deposing Emperor Haile Selassie in a military-led revolution in 1974, contributed to the scale of the famine.
Dr Miriam Bradley, senior lecturer in humanitarian studies at the University of Manchester, has argued that, by the early 1980s, “several government policies combined to cause, rather than prevent, a famine which lasted from 1983 to 1985. Mengistu’s government imposed Stalinist-model agricultural policies involving forced collectivisation and villagisation [relocation of communities into planned villages].
The West became aware of the catastrophe through a series of BBC News reports by journalist Michael Buerk in October 1984 describing a “biblical famine” and containing graphic images of thousands of people, including children, facing starvation.

Band Aid

Bob Geldof, singer with the Irish rock group The Boomtown Rats, formed Band Aid in response to the horrific images shown in the news broadcasts.
With Midge Ure of the band Ultravox, he wrote the hit charity single Do They Know it’s Christmas in December 1984, featuring a string of high-profile musicians.
Following the single’s success, the idea to stage a rock concert evolved.
Live Aid was a series of simultaneous concerts that took place at Wembley Stadium in London, John F Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia, the US, and at various other venues across the world.
The combined event was broadcast to an estimated worldwide audience of 1.5 billion.

Updated: July 31, 2021, 12:36 PM`