Emirati astronaut Sultan Neyadi's memories of life as a student in the UK came flooding back after he captured the English Channel from space.
Dr Al Neyadi, who is embarking on the Arab world's first long-duration mission on the International Space Station, graduated from the University of Brighton with a degree in electronics and communications engineering in 2004.
His meteoric rise has been followed with keen interest by his former university.
"Looking over the iconic English Channel, I’m reminded of my time as a student in the UK, and I’m taken back in time to moments where this waterway changed the course of history," Dr Al Neyadi, 41, tweeted on Tuesday.
Prof Debra Humphris, vice chancellor of the University of Brighton, has praised the former student's remarkable achievements.
“This is a rare and wonderful achievement by Sultan, and one that reflects a huge amount of dedication and hard work," Prof Humphris previously told The Argus, a Brighton-based newspaper.
“On behalf of everyone at the University of Brighton, we wish him the best of luck for his mission aboard the International Space Station.
"I’m incredibly proud to know that our university played an important role in his journey, and we look forward to hearing about his exploits when he returns."
A page on the university's website is dedicated to Dr Al Neyadi's exploits.
He has taken time out while journeying through space to offer insights into his passions back on Earth with his followers on social media.
Dr Al Neyadi recently shared a striking image on social media of his home town of Al Ain taken from the orbiting laboratory.
He also enjoyed a whistle-stop tour of the Gulf, pointing out capitals and countries including Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, Muscat in Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Iraq and Kuwait, as well as the Emirates, in video taken 400km above Earth.
The recording was taken from an observation module on the station.
Dr Al Neyadi arrived on the International Space Station for a six-month mission on March 3.
He is due to make more history on April 28 as the first Arab astronaut to take part in a spacewalk.
Sultan Al Neyadi in space - in pictures
MATCH INFO
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Liverpool 2 (Mane 50', 54')
Red card: Andreas Christensen (Chelsea)
Man of the match: Sadio Mane (Liverpool)
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
THURSDAY'S FIXTURES
4pm Maratha Arabians v Northern Warriors
6.15pm Deccan Gladiators v Pune Devils
8.30pm Delhi Bulls v Bangla Tigers
MATCH INFO
Jersey 147 (20 overs)
UAE 112 (19.2 overs)
Jersey win by 35 runs
Barcelona 3
Messi (27’, 32’, 87’)
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Why does a queen bee feast only on royal jelly?
Some facts about bees:
The queen bee eats only royal jelly, an extraordinary food created by worker bees so she lives much longer
The life cycle of a worker bee is from 40-60 days
A queen bee lives for 3-5 years
This allows her to lay millions of eggs and allows the continuity of the bee colony
About 20,000 honey bees and one queen populate each hive
Honey is packed with vital vitamins, minerals, enzymes, water and anti-oxidants.
Apart from honey, five other products are royal jelly, the special food bees feed their queen
Pollen is their protein source, a super food that is nutritious, rich in amino acids
Beewax is used to construct the combs. Due to its anti-fungal, anti-bacterial elements, it is used in skin treatments
Propolis, a resin-like material produced by bees is used to make hives. It has natural antibiotic qualities so works to sterilize hive, protects from disease, keeps their home free from germs. Also used to treat sores, infection, warts
Bee venom is used by bees to protect themselves. Has anti-inflammatory properties, sometimes used to relieve conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, nerve and muscle pain
Honey, royal jelly, pollen have health enhancing qualities
The other three products are used for therapeutic purposes
Is beekeeping dangerous?
As long as you deal with bees gently, you will be safe, says Mohammed Al Najeh, who has worked with bees since he was a boy.
“The biggest mistake people make is they panic when they see a bee. They are small but smart creatures. If you move your hand quickly to hit the bees, this is an aggressive action and bees will defend themselves. They can sense the adrenalin in our body. But if we are calm, they are move away.”
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What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
