A young child enjoys play time in Baikonur. James Langton / The National
Some familiar brand names greet shoppers in the supermarkets of Baikonur. James Langton / The National
Baikonur may be unheralded, but it has enjoyed a crucial role in the space industry for decades. James Langton / The National
A down-to-earth city is playing host to a landmark moment in the UAE's history. James Langton / The National
A rocket fuel plant in Baikonur, where the Soyuz space craft will launch on Wednesday. James Langton / The National
A mosque near the checkpoint into Baikonur city. Erica Alkhershi / The National
A recreational area for guests of the Seven Winds Hotel in Baikonur cosmodrome. Erica Alkhershi / The National
A recreational area for guests of the Seven Winds Hotel in Baikonur cosmodrome. Erica Alkhershi / The National
A recreational area for guests of the Seven Winds Hotel in Baikonur cosmodrome. Erica Alkhershi / The National
Rocket lamps hang in the lobby of the Seven Winds Hotel in Baikonur cosmodrome. Erica Alkhershi / The National
A recreational area for guests of the Seven Winds Hotel in Baikonur cosmodrome. Erica Alkhershi / The National
A magnet, commemorating Wednesday's launch, for sale in Baikonur's hotels. Erica Alkhershi / The National
Hassan Yehia, from Lebanon, is a chef at the Sputnik Hotel in Baikonur. His uniform is space themed. Erica Alkhershi / The National
A rocket shaped bin in the recreational area of the Seven Winds Hotel in Baikonur. Erica Alkhershi / The National
Baikonur has a unique place in the world's love affair with space travel. James Langton / The National
The sleepy city of Baikonur still attracts it share of tourists due to its significant role in space exploration. James Langton / The National
Baikonur was once banished from the map but is now integral to the UAE's space programme. James Langton / The National
Hazza Al Mansouri will blast into space on Wednesday evening. James Langton / The National
People go about their daily business in Baikonur, as UAE Astronaut Hazza Al Mansouri prepares to rocket into the record books. James Langton / The National
Much of Baikonur's identity is wrapped up in its impressive contribution to space travel. James Langton / The National
The impressive achievements of Yuri Gagarin, the first person in space in 1961, are celebrated here. James Langton / The National
