Engineers at the launch site in Tanegashima island, Japan. Courtesy: Emirates Mars Mission
Engineers at the launch site in Tanegashima island, Japan. Courtesy: Emirates Mars Mission
Engineers at the launch site in Tanegashima island, Japan. Courtesy: Emirates Mars Mission
Engineers at the launch site in Tanegashima island, Japan. Courtesy: Emirates Mars Mission

Emirati engineers behind the UAE’s Mars mission are an inspiration


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In reference to Sarwat Nasir's report Emirati engineers launching the Arab world's first mission to Mars share remarkable journey (July 7): Fantastic. It would be great to have an exhibition on the UAE's space activities here in Abu Dhabi.

Haidi Scarlet, Abu Dhabi 

Good news, finally: last patient leaves field hospital

Regarding Nick Webster's article Coronavirus: Dubai World Trade Centre field hospital discharges final Covid-19 patient (July 7): this is great news. God bless the UAE.

Nii Annan, Accra, Ghana

That's wonderful. I am glad he has fully recovered.

Timea Maria Karlik, Abu Dhabi

Well done, UAE. I am proud of these efforts and feel lucky to be able to work in this country.

Dorina D Peanca, Dubai 

An uncertain time for students who have to leave the US 

Regarding Anam Rizvi's story UAE students voice concern after US warns learners may have to leave country if classes remain online (July 7): this is not a smart move. Donald Trump wants to open universities so he can say that they're open thanks to him and that the pandemic has 'disappeared'. Universities desperately need the tuition fees of foreign students. And students can't interrupt their studies and risk losing many credits and courses that other universities might not accept, even if these poor students find other universities to transfer to that will accept them.

Linda MacConnell, Abu Dhabi

This is an irrational step. Personally, I am about to lose half my friends here. Economically speaking, for the US, I don't understand what sense this makes.

Zaid Haddad, Florida, US

If the purpose is to get an education then it shouldn’t matter if you’re back home or in US. One of the student visa conditions is the student is only allowed to have one online class (three credits) and the rest have to be in person. The US government does not want students hanging doing nothing or taking jobs illegally. If I was in these students' shoes I wouldn’t mind being back home with my family, studying online and still getting a US education.

Koko Al, New York, US 

This move doesn't make sense. The students are not on welfare.

Yulia Hulia, Dubai 

I suppose students could continue to study online from their home country without the cost of accommodation and other living expenses while in the US.

Randall Mohammed, Dubai

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
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
How to apply for a drone permit
  • Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
  • Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
  • Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
  • Submit their request
What are the regulations?
  • Fly it within visual line of sight
  • Never over populated areas
  • Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
  • Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
  • Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
  • Should have a live feed of the drone flight
  • Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
The specs

Common to all models unless otherwise stated

Engine: 4-cylinder 2-litre T-GDi

0-100kph: 5.3 seconds (Elantra); 5.5 seconds (Kona); 6.1 seconds (Veloster)

Power: 276hp

Torque: 392Nm

Transmission: 6-Speed Manual/ 8-Speed Dual Clutch FWD

Price: TBC

The specs
  • Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
  • Power: 640hp
  • Torque: 760nm
  • On sale: 2026
  • Price: Not announced yet
The specs: 2018 Maxus T60

Price, base / as tested: Dh48,000

Engine: 2.4-litre four-cylinder

Power: 136hp @ 1,600rpm

Torque: 360Nm @ 1,600 rpm

Transmission: Five-speed manual

Fuel consumption, combined: 9.1L / 100km

'Skin'

Dir: Guy Nattiv

Starring: Jamie Bell, Danielle McDonald, Bill Camp, Vera Farmiga

Rating: 3.5/5 stars