Oman’s first national satellite programme has begun, with calls for consultancies to bid for financial and technical advisory contracts issued last week.
Space Communications Technology LLC is leading Oman’s maiden satellite communications project. It aims to launch the sultanate’s first satellite by 2024.
The project is being developed to bolster the country's telecommunications network and serve the evolving needs of Oman’s public and private sectors.
The proposed orbit slot has good visibility with high elevation angles for the desired footprint. The satellite will be built using the latest technology by leading experts in the industry.
“This project is considered as one of the strategic projects that Oman is planning, namely to launch the first national satellite system with national, regional and global coverage, however with the primary TT&C [telemetry, tracking and control subsystem] to be located in Oman,” the SCT said.
The company’s “operational plan is based on the rental of a large capacity that meets all the requirements of the sultanate with high technical features through coverage of the sultanate’s entire territory and its economic waters with faster high throughput data”, it said.
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
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The more serious side of specialty coffee
While the taste of beans and freshness of roast is paramount to the specialty coffee scene, so is sustainability and workers’ rights.
The bulk of genuine specialty coffee companies aim to improve on these elements in every stage of production via direct relationships with farmers. For instance, Mokha 1450 on Al Wasl Road strives to work predominantly with women-owned and -operated coffee organisations, including female farmers in the Sabree mountains of Yemen.
Because, as the boutique’s owner, Garfield Kerr, points out: “women represent over 90 per cent of the coffee value chain, but are woefully underrepresented in less than 10 per cent of ownership and management throughout the global coffee industry.”
One of the UAE’s largest suppliers of green (meaning not-yet-roasted) beans, Raw Coffee, is a founding member of the Partnership of Gender Equity, which aims to empower female coffee farmers and harvesters.
Also, globally, many companies have found the perfect way to recycle old coffee grounds: they create the perfect fertile soil in which to grow mushrooms.
The specs
Engine: Two permanent-magnet synchronous AC motors
Transmission: two-speed
Power: 671hp
Torque: 849Nm
Range: 456km
Price: from Dh437,900
On sale: now
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Where to stay: Hilton Giardini Naxos offers beachfront access and accessible to Taormina and Mount Etna. Rooms start from around €130 (Dh561) per night, including taxes.
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Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
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Torque: 390Nm
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Favourite book: You Are the Placebo – Making your mind matter, by Dr Joe Dispenza
Hobby: Running and watching Welsh rugby
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Life goals: To be an aspirational and passionate University educator, enjoy life, be healthy and be the best dad possible.
The specs
Engine: 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6
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When: The one-off Test starts on Friday, May 11
What time: Each day’s play is scheduled to start at 2pm UAE time.
TV: The match will be broadcast on OSN Sports Cricket HD. Subscribers to the channel can also stream the action live on OSN Play.
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