Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, on Monday hailed the UAE as a major player in the global space race after meeting two of the country's astronaut corps aiming to reach for the stars.
Sheikh Mohammed reflected on the nation's stellar ambitions for the future during talks with Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre team members at Union House in Dubai.
He urged Nora Al Matrooshi, the first Emirati woman to be selected as an astronaut, and her colleague Mohammed Al Mulla to set their sets high in their quest to venture into space.
The enterprising pair completed their intensive two-year astronaut training programme with Nasa this year, making them eligible for space flight.
They are aiming to emulate the achievements of Hazza Al Mansouri, the UAE's first man in space, and Sultan Al Neyadi, who returned from his six-month mission on board the International Space Station in September and has since being appointed to the UAE Cabinet.
The gathering was also attended by Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed, chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and chairman and chief executive of Emirates Airline.
Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, chairman of the board of directors of MBRSC, and Amer Al Sayegh Al Ghaferi, assistant director general of the aerospace engineering sector at the centre, were also in attendance.
Flourishing space sector
Sheikh Mohammed called on space centre chiefs to propel the nation's space sector to new heights.
He was briefed on the progress being made on MBZ-Sat, the region's most advanced imaging satellite.
MBZ-Sat, named after President Sheikh Mohamed, has been in development at the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) in Dubai for several years.
The 800kg satellite is to be carried into orbit on a SpaceX ride-share mission, on board a Falcon 9 rocket.
Sheikh Mohammed was told the satellite is scheduled for launch in October at the earliest.
“The vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum inspires us to further strengthen the UAE's leadership in the field of space," said Mr Al Mansoori.
"We are proud to be working on the most advanced satellite in the Arab world, named after the President of the UAE. We have great ambitions for our country in the future of space exploration and we pledge to continue achieving milestones that contribute to its global leadership in this field."
T20 World Cup Qualifier, Muscat
UAE FIXTURES
Friday February 18: v Ireland
Saturday February 19: v Germany
Monday February 21: v Philippines
Tuesday February 22: semi-finals
Thursday February 24: final
Other acts on the Jazz Garden bill
Sharrie Williams
The American singer is hugely respected in blues circles due to her passionate vocals and songwriting. Born and raised in Michigan, Williams began recording and touring as a teenage gospel singer. Her career took off with the blues band The Wiseguys. Such was the acclaim of their live shows that they toured throughout Europe and in Africa. As a solo artist, Williams has also collaborated with the likes of the late Dizzy Gillespie, Van Morrison and Mavis Staples.
Lin Rountree
An accomplished smooth jazz artist who blends his chilled approach with R‘n’B. Trained at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, DC, Rountree formed his own band in 2004. He has also recorded with the likes of Kem, Dwele and Conya Doss. He comes to Dubai on the back of his new single Pass The Groove, from his forthcoming 2018 album Stronger Still, which may follow his five previous solo albums in cracking the top 10 of the US jazz charts.
Anita Williams
Dubai-based singer Anita Williams will open the night with a set of covers and swing, jazz and blues standards that made her an in-demand singer across the emirate. The Irish singer has been performing in Dubai since 2008 at venues such as MusicHall and Voda Bar. Her Jazz Garden appearance is career highlight as she will use the event to perform the original song Big Blue Eyes, the single from her debut solo album, due for release soon.
What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE
Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.
Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.
Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.
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ESSENTIALS
The flights
Emirates, Etihad and Swiss fly direct from the UAE to Zurich from Dh2,855 return, including taxes.
The chalet
Chalet N is currently open in winter only, between now and April 21. During the ski season, starting on December 11, a week’s rental costs from €210,000 (Dh898,431) per week for the whole property, which has 22 beds in total, across six suites, three double rooms and a children’s suite. The price includes all scheduled meals, a week’s ski pass, Wi-Fi, parking, transfers between Munich, Innsbruck or Zurich airports and one 50-minute massage per person. Private ski lessons cost from €360 (Dh1,541) per day. Halal food is available on request.
Fireball
Moscow claimed it hit the largest military fuel storage facility in Ukraine, triggering a huge fireball at the site.
A plume of black smoke rose from a fuel storage facility in the village of Kalynivka outside Kyiv on Friday after Russia said it had destroyed the military site with Kalibr cruise missiles.
"On the evening of March 24, Kalibr high-precision sea-based cruise missiles attacked a fuel base in the village of Kalynivka near Kyiv," the Russian defence ministry said in a statement.
Ukraine confirmed the strike, saying the village some 40 kilometres south-west of Kyiv was targeted.
Key 2013/14 UAE Motorsport dates
October 4: Round One of Rotax Max Challenge, Al Ain (karting)
October 1: 1 Round One of the inaugural UAE Desert Championship (rally)
November 1-3: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (Formula One)
November 28-30: Dubai International Rally
January 9-11: 24Hrs of Dubai (Touring Cars / Endurance)
March 21: Round 11 of Rotax Max Challenge, Muscat, Oman (karting)
April 4-10: Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge (Endurance)
Zayed Sustainability Prize
