National Editorial: 'An astronomical achievement for all women'
The UAE’s first astronauts have advised the latest new recruits to be humble and patient, as fame, intense training, maintaining a work-life balance and other challenges await them.
Maj Hazza Al Mansouri, the first Emirati in space, and reserve astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi are all too familiar with the joys and hardships that await.
Speaking to The National, the duo advised new recruits Nora Al Matrooshi and Mohammed Al Mulla to prepare themselves, but said they were confident the two are up to the daunting task.
“I’m happy Nora and Mohammed have joined us,” said Maj Al Mansouri.
“We are four astronauts now and that’s another sign that we will have more missions to space in future and we’ll be ready for anything.”
Maj Al Mansouri and Mr Al Neyadi are currently training at Nasa’s Johnson Space Centre in Houston, Texas. Their new colleagues will join them at the end of this year for a 30-month training period.
The first two astronauts already know the challenges of becoming "space-ready", having been trained by the Russians for a year.
Maj Al Mansouri already has one space mission to his name, in which he spent eight days on the International Space Station.
'There is a lot of attention on you'
Being the first Emirati in space also meant a constant spotlight.
Now, Ms Al Matrooshi’s title as the first Arab female astronaut has drawn a lot of attention to her.
“It’s a privilege to be an astronaut but there are lot of things that come with it, for example being famous,” said Maj Al Mansouri.
“You have to speak to media and there is a lot of attention on you. The Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre is ... great in helping them prepare for that.”
He has spoken previously of being unable to go to parks and other public places without being surrounded by large groups of fans.
Nasa’s Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin was well-known for his struggle with fame and battling depression, while fellow Apollo 11 astronauts Neil Armstrong, the first person to walk on the Moon, and Michael Collins gave up the spotlight to lead regular lives.
Maj Al Mansouri said the new recruits are aware of all the attention coming their way and advised them to be humble.
“I told them that they are famous now and that you’ll encounter a lot of different situations in your life that you’ll have to handle wisely,” said Maj Al Mansouri.
“But, most importantly, remember that you have to be humble, because you might think you’re above everyone now that you’re an astronaut, but you have to stay humble and inspire the next generation.”
Learning patience
The new astronauts were also advised to be patient for a space mission.
Mr Al Neyadi, who was Maj Al Mansouri's back-up for the mission to the ISS, said there could be years of training before an astronaut gets to launch.
“I told them that it's going to be a real challenge,” he said.
"I think the most important thing is to be patient and to be able to handle the pressure. It's not a short trip – it could be years of training that would prepare them for long-duration missions. The most important thing is patience and persistence."
The new recruits are unlikely to launch into space within the next three years.
They are being trained in the UAE until the end of this year, followed by their training at Nasa.
Only the astronaut who is selected for the next space mission would then undergo mission-specific training.
However, it could be that two astronauts are selected, if the UAE secures two seats on a flight.
Maj Al Mansouri said the profession is more of a marathon, rather than a sprint.
“You will start your training for a couple of years, maybe up to five years or six years – no one knows,” he said.
“But, eventually, you will be assigned to a mission. So, you have to be patient, learn how to handle pressure and gain new skills.”
'Under a lot of pressure'
Maj Al Mansouri also said the new astronauts could learn from his and Mr Al Neyadi’s experience.
“In the beginning, we didn't have any astronauts in the country to give us advice, so they are lucky to have us because we’ve learned a lot through our journey,” he said.
“We’ve given them good advice on the variety of skills you need for the training, skills that you have to master mentally, physically and emotionally – you would be put under a lot of pressure.”
He spoke about having to spend up to six to seven hours in the world’s largest pool for spacewalk training, while wearing a 130-kilogram extravehicular activities suit and performing tasks underwater.
He said they must have the skills to communicate with their colleagues, be sharp and ready for any possibility.
Maj Al Mansouri and Mr Al Neyadi said they are confident the new recruits are capable of handling the pressure.
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The National Archives, Abu Dhabi
Founded over 50 years ago, the National Archives collects valuable historical material relating to the UAE, and is the oldest and richest archive relating to the Arabian Gulf.
Much of the material can be viewed on line at the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive - https://www.agda.ae/en
Who is Mohammed Al Halbousi?
The new speaker of Iraq’s parliament Mohammed Al Halbousi is the youngest person ever to serve in the role.
The 37-year-old was born in Al Garmah in Anbar and studied civil engineering in Baghdad before going into business. His development company Al Hadeed undertook reconstruction contracts rebuilding parts of Fallujah’s infrastructure.
He entered parliament in 2014 and served as a member of the human rights and finance committees until 2017. In August last year he was appointed governor of Anbar, a role in which he has struggled to secure funding to provide services in the war-damaged province and to secure the withdrawal of Shia militias. He relinquished the post when he was sworn in as a member of parliament on September 3.
He is a member of the Al Hal Sunni-based political party and the Sunni-led Coalition of Iraqi Forces, which is Iraq’s largest Sunni alliance with 37 seats from the May 12 election.
He maintains good relations with former Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki’s State of Law Coaliton, Hadi Al Amiri’s Badr Organisation and Iranian officials.
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Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
Anxiety and work stress major factors
Anxiety, work stress and social isolation are all factors in the recogised rise in mental health problems.
A study UAE Ministry of Health researchers published in the summer also cited struggles with weight and illnesses as major contributors.
Its authors analysed a dozen separate UAE studies between 2007 and 2017. Prevalence was often higher in university students, women and in people on low incomes.
One showed 28 per cent of female students at a Dubai university reported symptoms linked to depression. Another in Al Ain found 22.2 per cent of students had depressive symptoms - five times the global average.
It said the country has made strides to address mental health problems but said: “Our review highlights the overall prevalence of depressive symptoms and depression, which may long have been overlooked."
Prof Samir Al Adawi, of the department of behavioural medicine at Sultan Qaboos University in Oman, who was not involved in the study but is a recognised expert in the Gulf, said how mental health is discussed varies significantly between cultures and nationalities.
“The problem we have in the Gulf is the cross-cultural differences and how people articulate emotional distress," said Prof Al Adawi.
“Someone will say that I have physical complaints rather than emotional complaints. This is the major problem with any discussion around depression."
Daniel Bardsley
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Company profile
Name: Tharb
Started: December 2016
Founder: Eisa Alsubousi
Based: Abu Dhabi
Sector: Luxury leather goods
Initial investment: Dh150,000 from personal savings
Other simple ideas for sushi rice dishes
Cheat’s nigiri
This is easier to make than sushi rolls. With damp hands, form the cooled rice into small tablet shapes. Place slices of fresh, raw salmon, mackerel or trout (or smoked salmon) lightly touched with wasabi, then press, wasabi side-down, onto the rice. Serve with soy sauce and pickled ginger.
Easy omurice
This fusion dish combines Asian fried rice with a western omelette. To make, fry cooked and cooled sushi rice with chopped vegetables such as carrot and onion and lashings of sweet-tangy ketchup, then wrap in a soft egg omelette.
Deconstructed sushi salad platter
This makes a great, fuss-free sharing meal. Arrange sushi rice on a platter or board, then fill the space with all your favourite sushi ingredients (edamame beans, cooked prawns or tuna, tempura veggies, pickled ginger and chilli tofu), with a dressing or dipping sauce on the side.
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
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
GOLF’S RAHMBO
- 5 wins in 22 months as pro
- Three wins in past 10 starts
- 45 pro starts worldwide: 5 wins, 17 top 5s
- Ranked 551th in world on debut, now No 4 (was No 2 earlier this year)
- 5th player in last 30 years to win 3 European Tour and 2 PGA Tour titles before age 24 (Woods, Garcia, McIlroy, Spieth)
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
How to help
Call the hotline on 0502955999 or send "thenational" to the following numbers:
2289 - Dh10
2252 - Dh50
6025 - Dh20
6027 - Dh100
6026 - Dh200
THE LIGHT
Director: Tom Tykwer
Starring: Tala Al Deen, Nicolette Krebitz, Lars Eidinger
Rating: 3/5
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HOW TO WATCH
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Race card
5pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (Turf) 1,600m; 5.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,400m
6pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,400m; 6.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,200m
7pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 2,200m
7.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh100,000 (PA) 1,400m
Tax authority targets shisha levy evasion
The Federal Tax Authority will track shisha imports with electronic markers to protect customers and ensure levies have been paid.
Khalid Ali Al Bustani, director of the tax authority, on Sunday said the move is to "prevent tax evasion and support the authority’s tax collection efforts".
The scheme’s first phase, which came into effect on 1st January, 2019, covers all types of imported and domestically produced and distributed cigarettes. As of May 1, importing any type of cigarettes without the digital marks will be prohibited.
He said the latest phase will see imported and locally produced shisha tobacco tracked by the final quarter of this year.
"The FTA also maintains ongoing communication with concerned companies, to help them adapt their systems to meet our requirements and coordinate between all parties involved," he said.
As with cigarettes, shisha was hit with a 100 per cent tax in October 2017, though manufacturers and cafes absorbed some of the costs to prevent prices doubling.
MATCH INFO
Manchester United v Brighton, Sunday, 6pm UAE
The five pillars of Islam
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Six large-scale objects on show
- Concrete wall and windows from the now demolished Robin Hood Gardens housing estate in Poplar
- The 17th Century Agra Colonnade, from the bathhouse of the fort of Agra in India
- A stagecloth for The Ballet Russes that is 10m high – the largest Picasso in the world
- Frank Lloyd Wright’s 1930s Kaufmann Office
- A full-scale Frankfurt Kitchen designed by Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky, which transformed kitchen design in the 20th century
- Torrijos Palace dome
MATCH INFO
Chelsea 0
Liverpool 2 (Mane 50', 54')
Red card: Andreas Christensen (Chelsea)
Man of the match: Sadio Mane (Liverpool)
The five pillars of Islam
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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Zayed Sustainability Prize
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
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The Details
Article 15
Produced by: Carnival Cinemas, Zee Studios
Directed by: Anubhav Sinha
Starring: Ayushmann Khurrana, Kumud Mishra, Manoj Pahwa, Sayani Gupta, Zeeshan Ayyub
Our rating: 4/5
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
