The UAE's latest synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite has lifted off aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
The Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre confirmed the launch took place on Saturday at 10.43am. The first signal from the satellite was received at 12.04pm.
The launch of the radar satellite complements the centre's existing Earth observation fleet. Etihad-Sat, a 220kg SAR satellite, is equipped with technology capable of monitoring the planet in any weather, day and night. It has gone into orbit aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rideshare mission from a California spaceport.
"This achievement highlights the UAE’s capability to develop cutting-edge space technologies while maintaining strategic partnerships with the global space community," said Salem Al Marri, director general at MBRSC.
"These collaborations are essential for knowledge exchange and advancing joint efforts, ultimately helping us achieve ambitious goals in space science and technology."
Etihad-Sat is MBRSC’s first SAR satellite and will fill gaps in its fleet, which includes high-resolution optical imaging satellites such as KhalifaSat and the recently launched MBZ-Sat. These are limited to capturing photos in clear weather and can be impeded by cloud cover, haze and atmospheric interference.
On Tuesday, Salem Al Marri, director-general of the space centre, wrote on X: “We have completed our preparations for the Etihad-Sat mission, MBRSC’s first synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite. All the best to the team working on this mission.”
What sets Etihad-Sat apart?
The satellite, which was built in partnership with South Korea's satellite manufacturing company Satrec Initiative, is expected to serve industry by detecting oil spills and monitoring natural disasters, improving navigation at sea and supporting smart agriculture and the environment.
Sarath Raj, project director of the satellite ground station at Amity University Dubai, told The National that the technology is capable of penetrating clouds, fog and darkness to capture images.
“This advancement dramatically enhances data reliability, particularly crucial for disaster response, where timely and accurate information is essential for assessing flood damage, tracking landslides and monitoring other hazards regardless of environmental conditions,” he said.
KhalifaSat tracks urban growth and environmental changes. Between 2021 and 2022, its images helped researchers to identify about 20,600 new buildings and vegetation shifts across 873 hectares in Dubai, assisting urban planning. It also provided imagery during the California wildfires in 2020 to help emergency teams assess damage and co-ordinate relief efforts.
However, while KhalifaSat captures sharp images, it depends on clear skies and atmospheric conditions. Etihad-Sat's SAR technology can gather data around the clock.
“SAR provides high-resolution insights that empower decision-makers to act swiftly and effectively,” said Dr Raj.
MBZ-Sat, which is three times more powerful than KhalifaSat, was launched on January 14, but the space centre is yet to post the first image taken by it on social media, which it does with most missions.
What is SAR?
SAR technology was developed for military and scientific use in the 1950s. The first SAR satellite, Nasa's Seasat, was launched in 1978.
It is now more in-demand than ever, thanks to advances such as artificial intelligence-driven data analysis. Increasing climate challenges have also made the technology an important tool for disaster response and environmental monitoring.
More countries and private companies are investing in SAR, recognising its ability to provide uninterrupted, high-precision Earth observation.
Amar Vora, head of space at consultancy company Serco Middle East, told The National that the space centre is now “well-positioned to contribute to the global demand for high-quality geospatial intelligence”.
“By integrating SAR into its growing satellite fleet, the UAE joins an exclusive group of nations that provide both optical and radar-based Earth observation data,” he said. The US, Italy, China, Canada and Germany also have the technology.
The UAE’s first SAR satellite, Foresight-1, was launched last year by YahSat and Bayanat, two Abu Dhabi organisations that merged to form an AI-powered space technology business called Space42. This created one of the world's most valuable publicly listed space companies. Foresight is part of a constellation of seven SAR microsatellites Space42 is planning to operate.
The UAE has been investing heavily in Earth observation capabilities, with the local market size currently estimated at $980 million and expected reach $1.49 billion by 2029, according to market research company Mordor Intelligence. The MBRSC has developed and launched six Earth observation satellites since 2009.
Launch of Bahraini satellite
The SpaceX rocket on Saturday also carried the Al Munther satellite, the first to be developed entirely by Bahraini engineers. The 3.2kg nanosatellite, which will be used for environmental monitoring and disaster response efforts, is equipped with artificial intelligence-powered image processing, cybersecurity features and radio broadcast capabilities.
Engineers from the country's National Space Science Agency developed the satellite, with payload testing taking place at the UAE's National Space and Technology Centre in Al Ain.
The UAE and Bahrain collaborated in 2022 on the Light-1 nanosatellite, which has enhanced the study of charged particles above thunderstorms that release harmful levels of radiation.
In a phone call on Saturday, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, extended his congratulations to King Hamad on the successful launch.
BELGIUM%20SQUAD
%3Cp%3EGoalkeepers%3A%20Thibaut%20Courtois%2C%20Simon%20Mignolet%2C%20Koen%20Casteels%0D%3Cbr%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EDefenders%3A%20Jan%20Vertonghen%2C%20Toby%20Alderweireld%2C%20Leander%20Dendoncker%2C%20Zeno%20Debast%2C%20Arthur%20Theate%2C%20Wout%20Faes%0D%3Cbr%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EMidfielders%3A%20Hans%20Vanaken%2C%20Axel%20Witsel%2C%20Youri%20Tielemans%2C%20Amadou%20Onana%2C%20Kevin%20De%20Bruyne%2C%20Yannick%20Carrasco%2C%20Thorgan%20Hazard%2C%20Timothy%20Castagne%2C%20Thomas%20Meunier%0D%3Cbr%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EForwards%3A%20Romelu%20Lukaku%2C%20Michy%20Batshuayi%2C%20Lo%C3%AFs%20Openda%2C%20Charles%20De%20Ketelaere%2C%20Eden%20Hazard%2C%20Jeremy%20Doku%2C%20Dries%20Mertens%2C%20Leandro%20Trossard%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Specs – Taycan 4S
Engine: Electric
Transmission: 2-speed auto
Power: 571bhp
Torque: 650Nm
Price: Dh431,800
Specs – Panamera
Engine: 3-litre V6 with 100kW electric motor
Transmission: 2-speed auto
Power: 455bhp
Torque: 700Nm
Price: from Dh431,800
Global Fungi Facts
• Scientists estimate there could be as many as 3 million fungal species globally
• Only about 160,000 have been officially described leaving around 90% undiscovered
• Fungi account for roughly 90% of Earth's unknown biodiversity
• Forest fungi help tackle climate change, absorbing up to 36% of global fossil fuel emissions annually and storing around 5 billion tonnes of carbon in the planet's topsoil
The biog
DOB: March 13, 1987
Place of birth: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia but lived in Virginia in the US and raised in Lebanon
School: ACS in Lebanon
University: BSA in Graphic Design at the American University of Beirut
MSA in Design Entrepreneurship at the School of Visual Arts in New York City
Nationality: Lebanese
Status: Single
Favourite thing to do: I really enjoy cycling, I was a participant in Cycling for Gaza for the second time this year
Sholto Byrnes on Myanmar politics
COMPANY PROFILE
Company name: BorrowMe (BorrowMe.com)
Date started: August 2021
Founder: Nour Sabri
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: E-commerce / Marketplace
Size: Two employees
Funding stage: Seed investment
Initial investment: $200,000
Investors: Amr Manaa (director, PwC Middle East)
UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FIXTURES
All kick-off times 10.45pm UAE ( 4 GMT) unless stated
Tuesday
Sevilla v Maribor
Spartak Moscow v Liverpool
Manchester City v Shakhtar Donetsk
Napoli v Feyenoord
Besiktas v RB Leipzig
Monaco v Porto
Apoel Nicosia v Tottenham Hotspur
Borussia Dortmund v Real Madrid
Wednesday
Basel v Benfica
CSKA Moscow Manchester United
Paris Saint-Germain v Bayern Munich
Anderlecht v Celtic
Qarabag v Roma (8pm)
Atletico Madrid v Chelsea
Juventus v Olympiakos
Sporting Lisbon v Barcelona
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
5 of the most-popular Airbnb locations in Dubai
Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:
• Dubai Marina
The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular locations, says Mr Grudziecki, due to their closeness to the beach, restaurants and hotels.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh482 to Dh739
Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104
• Downtown
Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure. “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154
• City Walk
The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena. “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210
• Jumeirah Lake Towers
Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh422 to Dh629
Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941
• Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152
