Japanese astronaut Wakata Koichi has shared remarkable images of Dubai’s coastline taken from the International Space Station. Photo: Wakata Koichi
Japanese astronaut Wakata Koichi has shared remarkable images of Dubai’s coastline taken from the International Space Station. Photo: Wakata Koichi
The images show the The Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jebel Ali, Deira Island and the World Islands, as well as the UAE's capital, Abu Dhabi, on the far right. Photo: Wakata Koichi
The images show the The Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jebel Ali, Deira Island and the World Islands, as well as the UAE's capital, Abu Dhabi, on the far right. Photo: Wakata Koichi
Dubai's coastline is favourite with astronauts in space. Photo: Thomas Pesquet
Dubai's coastline is favourite with astronauts in space. Photo: Thomas Pesquet
KhalifaSat, the UAE's first domestically built satellite, captured the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi in 2021. Photo: KhalifaSat / Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre
KhalifaSat, the UAE's first domestically built satellite, captured the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi in 2021. Photo: KhalifaSat / Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre
Jebel Jais, the UAE's highest summit at about 2,000 metres, in Ras Al Khaimah. This image was taken on January 25, 2021.
Jebel Jais, the UAE's highest summit at about 2,000 metres, in Ras Al Khaimah. This image was taken on January 25, 2021.
Sharjah Mosque, the largest mosque in the emirate, as captured from space on May 8, 2021.
Sharjah Mosque, the largest mosque in the emirate, as captured from space on May 8, 2021.

UAE

UAE in Space

Japanese astronaut shares stunning images of the UAE's coastline from space

Photos show The Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jebel Ali, World Islands and Abu Dhabi city

Sarwat Nasir
Sarwat Nasir

October 24, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

A Japanese astronaut has shared remarkable images of the UAE's coastline taken from the International Space Station.

Wakata Koichi posted the images on Twitter showing The Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jebel Ali, the World Islands and Abu Dhabi city.

The landmarks are some of the most popular among astronauts to photograph because of their unique design, visible from the orbiting science laboratory.

“Beautiful coast of the United Arab Emirates!” Mr Koichi said on Saturday.

“We can see the Palm Islands of Dubai very clearly from the ISS.”

Mr Koichi is an astronaut for Japan space agency Jaxa and serves as a member of the UAE Space Agency’s advisory committee.

He has more than 20 years of experience in space flight, having flown on the Space Shuttle and Soyuz missions.

This month, he flew to the ISS as part of the Nasa/SpaceX-Crew 5 mission.

Emirati astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi will be on the next human space flight mission that SpaceX is launching for Nasa.

The Crew-6 mission is expected to launch next spring and will carry four astronauts to the space station.

If all goes well, Dr Al Neyadi will become the first Arab astronaut to go on a long-duration space mission.

30 remarkable images of the UAE from space — in pictures

The UAE (centre-right) is well-lit during the night and is very visible from space. This image was captured from the International Space Station. Nasa
The UAE (centre-right) is well-lit during the night and is very visible from space. This image was captured from the International Space Station. Nasa
Nasa astronaut Jessica Meir shared this image of Abu Dhabi two months after Emirati astronaut Hazza Al Mansouri returned to Earth from the space station. Jessica Meir Twitter
Nasa astronaut Jessica Meir shared this image of Abu Dhabi two months after Emirati astronaut Hazza Al Mansouri returned to Earth from the space station. Jessica Meir Twitter
A stunning image of Downtown Dubai taken in 2012 by the Pleiades satellite. The Burj Khalifa is visible. European Space Agency
A stunning image of Downtown Dubai taken in 2012 by the Pleiades satellite. The Burj Khalifa is visible. European Space Agency
The largest mosque in Sharjah captured by Emirati satellite KhaliafSat. Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre
The largest mosque in Sharjah captured by Emirati satellite KhaliafSat. Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre
An image of Al Ain in 1984, when there was not a lot of greenery. Abu Dhabi emirate is now considered a green oasis with a major focus in agriculture. Nasa's Earth Observatory
An image of Al Ain in 1984, when there was not a lot of greenery. Abu Dhabi emirate is now considered a green oasis with a major focus in agriculture. Nasa's Earth Observatory
The Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre counted 45,000 palm trees in Al Ain. The satellite images are helping to monitor the quantity and health of thousands of trees. MBRSC
The Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre counted 45,000 palm trees in Al Ain. The satellite images are helping to monitor the quantity and health of thousands of trees. MBRSC
Umm Al Quwain, one of the seven emirates of the UAE, seen from space. The emirate is on a peninsula and has many attractive sites, including ancient forts. Zoom Earth
Umm Al Quwain, one of the seven emirates of the UAE, seen from space. The emirate is on a peninsula and has many attractive sites, including ancient forts. Zoom Earth
The Corniche Park in Umm Al Quwain (top) and Municipal Park on the bottom side of the image. Zoom Earth
The Corniche Park in Umm Al Quwain (top) and Municipal Park on the bottom side of the image. Zoom Earth
KhalifaSat captured Jebel Jais, the highest summit in the UAE which is about 2,000 metres above sea level. It also has the world’s longest zipline. MBRSC
KhalifaSat captured Jebel Jais, the highest summit in the UAE which is about 2,000 metres above sea level. It also has the world’s longest zipline. MBRSC
Fujairah is on the east coast of the UAE and is known for its beaches and the Hajar mountains. The mountainous areas are visible in this image, as well as the Fujairah International Airport and the Port Fujairah on the top right. Zoom Earth
Fujairah is on the east coast of the UAE and is known for its beaches and the Hajar mountains. The mountainous areas are visible in this image, as well as the Fujairah International Airport and the Port Fujairah on the top right. Zoom Earth
Abu Dhabi’s Sir Bani Yas Island captured from space in 2010. The island is a major tourist attract with a mix of wildlife, archaeological sites and luxury hotel retreats. Nasa
Abu Dhabi’s Sir Bani Yas Island captured from space in 2010. The island is a major tourist attract with a mix of wildlife, archaeological sites and luxury hotel retreats. Nasa
Dubai seen from the International Space Station. Nasa
Dubai seen from the International Space Station. Nasa
The Strait of Hormuz separates the UAE and Iran. Nasa
The Strait of Hormuz separates the UAE and Iran. Nasa
The UAE captured from space in 2013. Nasa’s Earth Observatory
The UAE captured from space in 2013. Nasa’s Earth Observatory
Hazza Al Mansouri took this photo of Umm Ghafa in Al Ain from the space station in 2019. It is the village where his colleague and reserve astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi grew up. Sultan Al Neyadi twitter
Hazza Al Mansouri took this photo of Umm Ghafa in Al Ain from the space station in 2019. It is the village where his colleague and reserve astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi grew up. Sultan Al Neyadi twitter
The Dubai Expo site captured by KhalifaSat in 2019. The much-anticipated event is set to begin on October 1, 2021. MBRSC
The Dubai Expo site captured by KhalifaSat in 2019. The much-anticipated event is set to begin on October 1, 2021. MBRSC
The man-made Love Lake in Dubai’s Al Qudra desert. MBRSC
The man-made Love Lake in Dubai’s Al Qudra desert. MBRSC
Dust blows over the Arabian Gulf in 2013. The UAE is on the right side of this image and Saudi Arabia is on the left. Nasa’s Earth Observatory
Dust blows over the Arabian Gulf in 2013. The UAE is on the right side of this image and Saudi Arabia is on the left. Nasa’s Earth Observatory
A dust plume over the UAE in 2009. Nasa
A dust plume over the UAE in 2009. Nasa
The Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Mosque in Al Ain captured by KhalifaSat. It features a magnificent dome, which measures 86 metres in diameter. MBRSC
The Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Mosque in Al Ain captured by KhalifaSat. It features a magnificent dome, which measures 86 metres in diameter. MBRSC
The Copernicus Sentinel 2 mission captured this striking view of Abu Dhabi from space. The dark green patch of land is the Mangrove National Park. Ferrari World can be seen in the centre-right of the image. European Space Agency
The Copernicus Sentinel 2 mission captured this striking view of Abu Dhabi from space. The dark green patch of land is the Mangrove National Park. Ferrari World can be seen in the centre-right of the image. European Space Agency
An incredible view of the UAE captured by Hazza Al Mansouri in 2019. Hazza Al Mansouri twitter
An incredible view of the UAE captured by Hazza Al Mansouri in 2019. Hazza Al Mansouri twitter
An image of Abu Dhabi taken from the International Space Station as it orbited 423 kilometres above Oman. Nasa
An image of Abu Dhabi taken from the International Space Station as it orbited 423 kilometres above Oman. Nasa
Planes can be seen parked at Dubai International Airport during the Coronavirus Pandemic in May 2020, when travel was restricted. MBRSC
Planes can be seen parked at Dubai International Airport during the Coronavirus Pandemic in May 2020, when travel was restricted. MBRSC
KhalifaSat captured this stunning image of Abu Dhabi in 2020. MBRSC
KhalifaSat captured this stunning image of Abu Dhabi in 2020. MBRSC
Another view of the UAE’s capital city of Abu Dhabi from space. MBRSC
Another view of the UAE’s capital city of Abu Dhabi from space. MBRSC
One of the most recent photos of Dubai taken in 2020 from space, showing the Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jebel Ali and the World Islands. MBRSC
One of the most recent photos of Dubai taken in 2020 from space, showing the Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jebel Ali and the World Islands. MBRSC
Mangroves, salt domes, salt flats and coral reefs on the south-west coast of the UAE, near Abu Dhabi, captured in 2001. Nasa’s Earth Observatory
Mangroves, salt domes, salt flats and coral reefs on the south-west coast of the UAE, near Abu Dhabi, captured in 2001. Nasa’s Earth Observatory
The first image captured by KhalifaSat in 2018. It is the Palm Jumeirah in Dubai. MBRSC
The first image captured by KhalifaSat in 2018. It is the Palm Jumeirah in Dubai. MBRSC
A manufacturing site on the Arabian Gulf coast of the UAE, near Abu Dhabi. Nasa
A manufacturing site on the Arabian Gulf coast of the UAE, near Abu Dhabi. Nasa
List of alleged parties

 May 15 2020: PM and Carrie attend 'work meeting' with at
least 17 staff members

May 20 2020: PM and Carrie attend 'bring your own booze'
party

Nov 27 2020: PM gives speech at leaving do for his staff

Dec 10 2020: Staff party held by then-education secretary
Gavin Williamson

Dec 13 2020: PM and Carrie throw a flat party

Dec 14 2020: London mayor candidate Shaun Bailey holds staff party at Conservative
Party headquarters

Dec 15 2020: PM takes part in a staff quiz

Dec 18 2020: Downing Street Christmas party

While you're here
While you're here
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BULKWHIZ PROFILE

Date started: February 2017

Founders: Amira Rashad (CEO), Yusuf Saber (CTO), Mahmoud Sayedahmed (adviser), Reda Bouraoui (adviser)

Based: Dubai, UAE

Sector: E-commerce 

Size: 50 employees

Funding: approximately $6m

Investors: Beco Capital, Enabling Future and Wain in the UAE; China's MSA Capital; 500 Startups; Faith Capital and Savour Ventures in Kuwait

Roll of honour 2019-2020

Dubai Rugby Sevens

Winners: Dubai Hurricanes

Runners up: Bahrain

 

West Asia Premiership

Winners: Bahrain

Runners up: UAE Premiership

 

UAE Premiership

Winners: Dubai Exiles

Runners up: Dubai Hurricanes

 

UAE Division One

Winners: Abu Dhabi Saracens

Runners up: Dubai Hurricanes II

 

UAE Division Two

Winners: Barrelhouse

Runners up: RAK Rugby

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Who is Enric Sala?

Enric Sala is an expert on marine conservation and is currently the National Geographic Society's Explorer-in-Residence. His love of the sea started with his childhood in Spain, inspired by the example of the legendary diver Jacques Cousteau. He has been a university professor of Oceanography in the US, as well as working at the Spanish National Council for Scientific Research and is a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on Biodiversity and the Bio-Economy. He has dedicated his life to protecting life in the oceans. Enric describes himself as a flexitarian who only eats meat occasionally.

What is biodiversity?

According to the United Nations Environment Programme, all life on earth – including in its forests and oceans – forms a “rich tapestry of interconnecting and interdependent forces”. Biodiversity on earth today is the product of four billion years of evolution and consists of many millions of distinct biological species. The term ‘biodiversity’ is relatively new, popularised since the 1980s and coinciding with an understanding of the growing threats to the natural world including habitat loss, pollution and climate change. The loss of biodiversity itself is dangerous because it contributes to clean, consistent water flows, food security, protection from floods and storms and a stable climate. The natural world can be an ally in combating global climate change but to do so it must be protected. Nations are working to achieve this, including setting targets to be reached by 2020 for the protection of the natural state of 17 per cent of the land and 10 per cent of the oceans. However, these are well short of what is needed, according to experts, with half the land needed to be in a natural state to help avert disaster.

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Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request

On Women's Day
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Transmission: nine-speed

Power: 542bhp

Torque: 700Nm

Price: Dh848,000

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Scores in brief:

Boost Defenders 205-5 in 20 overs
(Colin Ingram 84 not out, Cameron Delport 36, William Somerville 2-28)
bt Auckland Aces 170 for 5 in 20 overs
(Rob O’Donnell 67 not out, Kyle Abbott 3-21).

Updated: October 25, 2022, 9:38 AM`
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