The Hanno, the first plane to land in Sharjah, touches down from Gwadar on October 5, 1932. All photos by: Kenneth Mackay / Dr Sultan Al Qasimi Centre for Gulf Studies - Al Darah, unless otherwise specified
The Hanno, the first plane to land in Sharjah, touches down from Gwadar on October 5, 1932. All photos by: Kenneth Mackay / Dr Sultan Al Qasimi Centre for Gulf Studies - Al Darah, unless otherwise specified
Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi stands under one of the wings of the Hanno after the plane made its arrival.
Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi stands under one of the wings of the Hanno after the plane made its arrival.
As well as becoming the UAE's first airport, Al Mahatta was also home to the nation's first hotel, featuring a guesthouse for travellers and crew on an overnight stopover. The location also featured a meteorological centre, a cinema, telegraph and postal services and a control tower. Pictured here under construction in September 1932.
As well as becoming the UAE's first airport, Al Mahatta was also home to the nation's first hotel, featuring a guesthouse for travellers and crew on an overnight stopover. The location also featured a meteorological centre, a cinema, telegraph and postal services and a control tower. Pictured here under construction in September 1932.
This image shows the construction of the foundations of Al Mahatta's rest house in August 1932.
This image shows the construction of the foundations of Al Mahatta's rest house in August 1932.
Workers carry a palm trunk into the rest house during building work in September 1932.
Workers carry a palm trunk into the rest house during building work in September 1932.
The rest house next to the airport was completed in April 1933.
The rest house next to the airport was completed in April 1933.
An extension was added to the rest house in 1939 as a result of increased personnel during the Second World War. This image shows the landing of a Hannibal class plane in 1933. The runway was converted into a road, now known as King Abdul Aziz Street, in the 1960s, while the airstrip remained in use until the Sharjah International Airport opened in 1977. Photo: Flight Magazine
An extension was added to the rest house in 1939 as a result of increased personnel during the Second World War. This image shows the landing of a Hannibal class plane in 1933. The runway was converted into a road, now known as King Abdul Aziz Street, in the 1960s, while the airstrip remained in use until the Sharjah International Airport opened in 1977. Photo: Flight Magazine

Weekend

When Sharjah’s first flight touched down - 90 years ago

The Imperial Airways jet made a stop in October 1932 as part of a trip from Gwadar airport to the UK

Hayley Skirka
Hayley Skirka

April 01, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

Long an important stop on the trade routes between Europe and Asia, the UAE has become one of the world’s leading aviation centres.

Home to the busiest international airport in the world and several of the most-flown international airline routes, it also benefits from its geographical location – with more than two thirds of the world’s population less than an eight-hour flight away.

And while most people today will fly to Dubai International Airport, since the early days, it was the emirate of Sharjah that played a pivotal role in the country’s aviation scene.

The eastern emirate welcomed its first flight in October 1932.

It was 90 years ago that Imperial Airways touched down in Sharjah with its Hannibal Class Handley Page HP42 airliner, nicknamed Hanno.

Imperial Airways' Hannibal class Handley Page HP42 passenger plane Hanno. Getty Images
Imperial Airways' Hannibal class Handley Page HP42 passenger plane Hanno. Getty Images

Landing in the country on October 5, the four-engined biplane was typical of the passenger aircraft of those days.

Characterised by its size and capability of flying relatively long distances, the aircraft allowed Imperial Airways – the forerunner of British Airways – to operate international fights between the UK, India and Australia.

The first of these flights landed at Sharjah Airport when the emirates was part of the Trucial States.

Read more

Timeframe: when England's cricket team toured Sharjah in 1983

Surrounded by an armed guard provided by the Sheikh of Sharjah, the flight touched down to refuel. This stop helped to connect the East and the West, with pilots able to refuel and continue flying towards India or the UK on routes that took about five days to complete.

Sharjah’s role in the country’s aviation scene cannot be underestimated. The city was a significant stopover on Imperial Airways' routes until the airline ceased operations in 1939.

As well as being home to Al Mahatta, the UAE’s first airport, Sharjah was also where the nation's first hotel opened. With only nine bedrooms and water supplied by donkey caravan, the BOAC Rest House was also home to the country’s first cinema.

The BOAC Rest House was the first hotel in the country, opening at a Sharjah airfield in 1932. Wam
The BOAC Rest House was the first hotel in the country, opening at a Sharjah airfield in 1932. Wam

Air Arabia was also formed in Sharjah, when in 2003 it became the country’s first low-cost airline.

And while neighbouring Dubai is today the country's big player when it comes to aviation, it was Abu Dhabi that welcomed the country’s first flight – with the arrival of an international flight on June 19, 1929.

A brief history of Air Arabia – in pictures

In 2018, Air Arabia celebrated its 15th anniversary by launching its new brand identity. Photo: Air Arabia
In 2018, Air Arabia celebrated its 15th anniversary by launching its new brand identity. Photo: Air Arabia
Air Arabia was founded by a decree issued by Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Sharjah.
Air Arabia was founded by a decree issued by Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Sharjah.
Air Arabia jets featuring the airline's previous branding. Photo: Flickr
Air Arabia jets featuring the airline's previous branding. Photo: Flickr
Air Arabia was the first budget airline in the Middle East and North Africa.
Air Arabia was the first budget airline in the Middle East and North Africa.
Air Arabia office at Sharjah International Airport.
Air Arabia office at Sharjah International Airport.
Air Arabia crew members in the airline's previous uniforms.
Air Arabia crew members in the airline's previous uniforms.
In 2010, Air Arabia made its inaugural flight from Alexandria to Abu Dhabi.
In 2010, Air Arabia made its inaugural flight from Alexandria to Abu Dhabi.
An Air Arabia A320 featuring the airline's previous logo.
An Air Arabia A320 featuring the airline's previous logo.
An Air Arabia narrowbody in flight.
An Air Arabia narrowbody in flight.
A traveller checks in at Air Arabia counters at Ras Al Khaimah International Airport. Photo: Shereen El Gazzar
A traveller checks in at Air Arabia counters at Ras Al Khaimah International Airport. Photo: Shereen El Gazzar
Air Arabia is the UAE's only listed airline.
Air Arabia is the UAE's only listed airline.
Air Arabia launched a new uniform as part of its 18-year anniversary celebrations.
Air Arabia launched a new uniform as part of its 18-year anniversary celebrations.
Air Arabia Abu Dhabi plans to have 20 jets by 2025.
Air Arabia Abu Dhabi plans to have 20 jets by 2025.
Inside the airline's training hub.
Inside the airline's training hub.
Air Arabia Abu Dhabi landed in Oman for the first time in 2020.
Air Arabia Abu Dhabi landed in Oman for the first time in 2020.
Air Arabia's aircraft and staff uniforms have changed over the years.
Air Arabia's aircraft and staff uniforms have changed over the years.
Air Arabia crew members.
Air Arabia crew members.
The no-frills airline now flies to 170 destinations from hubs in the UAE, Morocco and Egypt.
The no-frills airline now flies to 170 destinations from hubs in the UAE, Morocco and Egypt.
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Akeed

Based: Muscat

Launch year: 2018

Number of employees: 40

Sector: Online food delivery

Funding: Raised $3.2m since inception 

On Women's Day
Structural%20weaknesses%20facing%20Israel%20economy
%3Cp%3E1.%20Labour%20productivity%20is%20lower%20than%20the%20average%20of%20the%20developed%20economies%2C%20particularly%20in%20the%20non-tradable%20industries.%3Cbr%3E2.%20The%20low%20level%20of%20basic%20skills%20among%20workers%20and%20the%20high%20level%20of%20inequality%20between%20those%20with%20various%20skills.%3Cbr%3E3.%20Low%20employment%20rates%2C%20particularly%20among%20Arab%20women%20and%20Ultra-Othodox%20Jewish%20men.%3Cbr%3E4.%20A%20lack%20of%20basic%20knowledge%20required%20for%20integration%20into%20the%20labour%20force%2C%20due%20to%20the%20lack%20of%20core%20curriculum%20studies%20in%20schools%20for%20Ultra-Othodox%20Jews.%3Cbr%3E5.%20A%20need%20to%20upgrade%20and%20expand%20physical%20infrastructure%2C%20particularly%20mass%20transit%20infrastructure.%3Cbr%3E6.%20The%20poverty%20rate%20at%20more%20than%20double%20the%20OECD%20average.%3Cbr%3E7.%20Population%20growth%20of%20about%202%20per%20cent%20per%20year%2C%20compared%20to%200.6%20per%20cent%20OECD%20average%20posing%20challenge%20for%20fiscal%20policy%20and%20underpinning%20pressure%20on%20education%2C%20health%20care%2C%20welfare%20housing%20and%20physical%20infrastructure%2C%20which%20will%20increase%20in%20the%20coming%20years.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
On Women's Day
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

Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
  • Priority access to new homes from participating developers
  • Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
  • Flexible payment plans from developers
  • Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
  • DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Tomorrow 2021
Pharaoh's curse

British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened.
He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia.
Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”.
Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.

Schedule for show courts

Centre Court - from 4pm UAE time

Johanna Konta (6) v Donna Vekic

Andy Murray (1) v Dustin Brown

Rafael Nadal (4) v Donald Young

 

Court 1 - from 4pm UAE time

Kei Nishikori (9) v Sergiy Stakhovsky

Qiang Wang v Venus Williams (10)

Beatriz Haddad Maia v Simona Halep (2)

 

Court 2 - from 2.30pm

Heather Watson v Anastasija Sevastova (18)

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (12) v Simone Bolelli

Florian Mayer v Marin Cilic (7)

 

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
SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20NOTHING%20PHONE%20(2)
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDisplay%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%206.7%E2%80%9D%20LPTO%20Amoled%2C%202412%20x%201080%2C%20394ppi%2C%20HDR10%2B%2C%20Corning%20Gorilla%20Glass%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EProcessor%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Qualcomm%20Snapdragon%208%2B%20Gen%202%2C%20octa-core%3B%20Adreno%20730%20GPU%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMemory%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%208%2F12GB%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECapacity%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20128%2F256%2F512GB%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPlatform%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Android%2013%2C%20Nothing%20OS%202%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMain%20camera%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dual%2050MP%20wide%2C%20f%2F1.9%20%2B%2050MP%20ultrawide%2C%20f%2F2.2%3B%20OIS%2C%20auto-focus%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMain%20camera%20video%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204K%20%40%2030%2F60fps%2C%201080p%20%40%2030%2F60fps%3B%20live%20HDR%2C%20OIS%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFront%20camera%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2032MP%20wide%2C%20f%2F2.5%2C%20HDR%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFront%20camera%20video%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Full-HD%20%40%2030fps%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBattery%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204700mAh%3B%20full%20charge%20in%2055m%20w%2F%2045w%20charger%3B%20Qi%20wireless%2C%20dual%20charging%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EConnectivity%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Wi-Fi%2C%20Bluetooth%205.3%2C%20NFC%20(Google%20Pay)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBiometrics%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Fingerprint%2C%20face%20unlock%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EI%2FO%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20USB-C%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDurability%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20IP54%2C%20limited%20protection%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECards%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dual-nano%20SIM%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EColours%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dark%20grey%2C%20white%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EIn%20the%20box%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Nothing%20Phone%20(2)%2C%20USB-C-to-USB-C%20cable%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%20(UAE)%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dh2%2C499%20(12GB%2F256GB)%20%2F%20Dh2%2C799%20(12GB%2F512GB)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Company%20Profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Astra%20Tech%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMarch%202022%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDubai%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAbdallah%20Abu%20Sheikh%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20technology%20investment%20and%20development%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%20size%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%24500m%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs: 2018 BMW R nineT Scrambler

Price, base / as tested Dh57,000

Engine 1,170cc air/oil-cooled flat twin four-stroke engine

Transmission Six-speed gearbox

Power 110hp) @ 7,750rpm

Torque 116Nm @ 6,000rpm

Fuel economy, combined 5.3L / 100km

F1 The Movie

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

Director: Joseph Kosinski

Rating: 4/5

Labour dispute

The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.


- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law 

Real estate tokenisation project

Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.

The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.

Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.

While you're here
Updated: April 01, 2022, 6:01 PM`
WeekendSharjahAirlines