• US astronaut Scott Kelly shared this night-time image of Dubai's Palm Jumeirah in 2016. Photo: Scott Kelly Twitter
    US astronaut Scott Kelly shared this night-time image of Dubai's Palm Jumeirah in 2016. Photo: Scott Kelly Twitter
  • The Deira clock tower roundabout, which is one of Dubai's oldest landmarks. Photo: Google Earth
    The Deira clock tower roundabout, which is one of Dubai's oldest landmarks. Photo: Google Earth
  • Satellite imagery shows Dubai's Palm Jumeirah, World Islands and Palm Deira. Photo: Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre
    Satellite imagery shows Dubai's Palm Jumeirah, World Islands and Palm Deira. Photo: Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre
  • Abu Dhabi International Airport seen from space. Photo: European Space Agency
    Abu Dhabi International Airport seen from space. Photo: European Space Agency
  • UAE satellite KhalifaSat captured the Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Mosque in Abu Dhabi. Photo: Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre
    UAE satellite KhalifaSat captured the Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Mosque in Abu Dhabi. Photo: Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre
  • Abu Dhabi's Ferrari World captured in satellite imagery. Photo: European Space Agency
    Abu Dhabi's Ferrari World captured in satellite imagery. Photo: European Space Agency
  • The Museum of the Future in Dubai can be seen in the centre of the image. Photo: Google Earth
    The Museum of the Future in Dubai can be seen in the centre of the image. Photo: Google Earth
  • Sheikh Zayed Bridge in Abu Dhabi. Photo: European Space Agency
    Sheikh Zayed Bridge in Abu Dhabi. Photo: European Space Agency
  • Dubai's man-made Love Lake, captured by KhalifaSat satellite. Photo: Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre
    Dubai's man-made Love Lake, captured by KhalifaSat satellite. Photo: Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre
  • The Expo 2020 Dubai site in 2017. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai Twitter
    The Expo 2020 Dubai site in 2017. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai Twitter
  • Dubai's Palm Jumeirah in 2021. Photo: Shane Kimbrough Twitter
    Dubai's Palm Jumeirah in 2021. Photo: Shane Kimbrough Twitter
  • Dubai International Airport in 2021. Photo: Shane Kimbrough Twitter
    Dubai International Airport in 2021. Photo: Shane Kimbrough Twitter
  • Sharjah's largest mosque captured by UAE satellite KhalifaSat. Photo: Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre
    Sharjah's largest mosque captured by UAE satellite KhalifaSat. Photo: Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre
  • The Expo Centre in Sharjah in 2021. Photo: Google Earth
    The Expo Centre in Sharjah in 2021. Photo: Google Earth

Incredible images of Abu Dhabi and Dubai landmarks from space


Sarwat Nasir
  • English
  • Arabic

The UAE has long been a firm favourite among astronauts and satellite operators looking to beam picture-perfect images from space back down to Earth.

Remarkable landmarks such as Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah and Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi are among the large-scale attractions visible from space.

Most recently, US astronaut Shane Kimbrough, who is currently commanding the International Space Station, shared images of the Dubai International Airport and the Emirates Golf Club.

However, space travellers have been capturing the stunning sights of the Emirates for nearly a decade, reflecting a rise in development of skyscrapers and unique structures in the country.

Astronaut Scott Kelly had shared an image of The Palm Jumeirah in 2015.

“Good afternoon, Dubai. You look much different than when I was there 25 years ago,” he said.

In 2016, Mr Kelly shared a night-time image of the landmark.

“Dubai at night always beautiful and recognisable from space. Just as stunning up close. Enjoying the city's lights on Earth tonight,” he said.

Nasa astronaut Jessica Meir, who travelled to space with Emirati astronaut Maj Hazza Al Mansouri, shared an image of Abu Dhabi in 2019.

She trained alongside Maj Al Mansouri for her first trip to space and spent 205 days on the station.

“The very first astronaut from the United Arab Emirates launched to space this year – in the same rocket as me. Thinking about my new colleagues and friends [Maj Al Mansouri and fellow Emirati astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi] made my view even more spectacular. Goodnight, Abu Dhabi,” she tweeted.

Mr Kimbrough tweeted back in June: “When you see these palm trees from space, you know you are looking at Dubai.”

French astronaut Thomas Pesquet, who is currently in the ISS, looked ahead to Expo 2020 Dubai.

“One hundred days until the World Expo opens there. The French pavilion is set to be on point. I might be involved in some way,” he said.

Some of Sharjah’s landmarks also stand out from space, including its largest mosque, Sharjah Mosque, and its Expo Centre.

Fascinating views of the country can also be seen on Google Earth, which offers images created with a mix of satellite and aerial shots.

Remarkable images of the Middle East from space – in pictures

  • On November 26 2020, an astronaut captured this photo of the northwest coastline of Saudi Arabia, home to 260 coral reef species. The image shows the Red Sea on the right, a lagoon in the middle and the coral reef on the left side. All photos courtesy of Earth Observatory at Nasa
    On November 26 2020, an astronaut captured this photo of the northwest coastline of Saudi Arabia, home to 260 coral reef species. The image shows the Red Sea on the right, a lagoon in the middle and the coral reef on the left side. All photos courtesy of Earth Observatory at Nasa
  • UAE’s first astronaut in space, Hazza Al Mansouri, captured this photo of the Emirates during his eight-day trip on the International Space Station. Courtesy: Hazza Al Mansouri Twitter
    UAE’s first astronaut in space, Hazza Al Mansouri, captured this photo of the Emirates during his eight-day trip on the International Space Station. Courtesy: Hazza Al Mansouri Twitter
  • Kuwait photographed from space during the night. The Arabian Gulf is on the top right side and the Kuwait Bay is on the left.
    Kuwait photographed from space during the night. The Arabian Gulf is on the top right side and the Kuwait Bay is on the left.
  • Thunderclouds march past the Al Qassim region of central Saudi Arabia on April 13, 2016. Nasa reported the storm clouds were likely related to the heavy rainfall and flooding in Yemen during that time.
    Thunderclouds march past the Al Qassim region of central Saudi Arabia on April 13, 2016. Nasa reported the storm clouds were likely related to the heavy rainfall and flooding in Yemen during that time.
  • An astronaut captured a photograph of the port city in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in 2017.
    An astronaut captured a photograph of the port city in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in 2017.
  • The Arabian Gulf photographed from the space station
    The Arabian Gulf photographed from the space station
  • A dusty atmosphere over central Saudi Arabia in 2014. The dunes in Riyadh are visible from space
    A dusty atmosphere over central Saudi Arabia in 2014. The dunes in Riyadh are visible from space
  • Nasa astronaut Scott Kelly captured an image of Dubai’s lights during the night. Courtesy: Scott Kelly Twitter
    Nasa astronaut Scott Kelly captured an image of Dubai’s lights during the night. Courtesy: Scott Kelly Twitter
  • A dust plume surging over the Red Sea and reaching Saudi Arabia in 2013. The Nile River is visible on the top left side of the image.
    A dust plume surging over the Red Sea and reaching Saudi Arabia in 2013. The Nile River is visible on the top left side of the image.
  • Turkish city of Istanbul at night
    Turkish city of Istanbul at night
  • The Pearl-Qatar, a man-made island in Doha, is visible from space. An astronaut captured this photograph in 2017
    The Pearl-Qatar, a man-made island in Doha, is visible from space. An astronaut captured this photograph in 2017
  • The city of Madinah in Saudi Arabia
    The city of Madinah in Saudi Arabia
  • The Levant region captured from space
    The Levant region captured from space
  • Es Safa, a basaltic volcanic field in southeast of Damascus, Syria, photographed from space in 2010. It is the largest volcanic field on the Arabian tectonic plate.
    Es Safa, a basaltic volcanic field in southeast of Damascus, Syria, photographed from space in 2010. It is the largest volcanic field on the Arabian tectonic plate.
  • Port of Aden in Yemen
    Port of Aden in Yemen
  • The Strait of Tiran, which separates the Gulf of Aqaba from the Red Sea, captured from space in 2013
    The Strait of Tiran, which separates the Gulf of Aqaba from the Red Sea, captured from space in 2013
  • The southeastern margin of the Empty Quarter, also known as the Ar Rub’ al Khali, in Oman. An astronaut took this photo in 2011
    The southeastern margin of the Empty Quarter, also known as the Ar Rub’ al Khali, in Oman. An astronaut took this photo in 2011
  • Lake Dukan, shaped almost like a Christmas tree, in Iraq photographed from space in 2018.
    Lake Dukan, shaped almost like a Christmas tree, in Iraq photographed from space in 2018.
  • A dust storm over the Arabian gulf in August, 2008
    A dust storm over the Arabian gulf in August, 2008
  • Damascus, Syria, photographed from space in 2013
    Damascus, Syria, photographed from space in 2013
The biog

Name: Shamsa Hassan Safar

Nationality: Emirati

Education: Degree in emergency medical services at Higher Colleges of Technology

Favourite book: Between two hearts- Arabic novels

Favourite music: Mohammed Abdu and modern Arabic songs

Favourite way to spend time off: Family visits and spending time with friends

ADCC AFC Women’s Champions League Group A fixtures

October 3: v Wuhan Jiangda Women’s FC
October 6: v Hyundai Steel Red Angels Women’s FC
October 9: v Sabah FA

Veil (Object Lessons)
Rafia Zakaria
​​​​​​​Bloomsbury Academic

Draw:

Group A: Egypt, DR Congo, Uganda, Zimbabwe

Group B: Nigeria, Guinea, Madagascar, Burundi

Group C: Senegal, Algeria, Kenya, Tanzania

Group D: Morocco, Ivory Coast, South Africa, Namibia

Group E: Tunisia, Mali, Mauritania, Angola

Group F: Cameroon, Ghana, Benin, Guinea-Bissau

What is blockchain?

Blockchain is a form of distributed ledger technology, a digital system in which data is recorded across multiple places at the same time. Unlike traditional databases, DLTs have no central administrator or centralised data storage. They are transparent because the data is visible and, because they are automatically replicated and impossible to be tampered with, they are secure.

The main difference between blockchain and other forms of DLT is the way data is stored as ‘blocks’ – new transactions are added to the existing ‘chain’ of past transactions, hence the name ‘blockchain’. It is impossible to delete or modify information on the chain due to the replication of blocks across various locations.

Blockchain is mostly associated with cryptocurrency Bitcoin. Due to the inability to tamper with transactions, advocates say this makes the currency more secure and safer than traditional systems. It is maintained by a network of people referred to as ‘miners’, who receive rewards for solving complex mathematical equations that enable transactions to go through.

However, one of the major problems that has come to light has been the presence of illicit material buried in the Bitcoin blockchain, linking it to the dark web.

Other blockchain platforms can offer things like smart contracts, which are automatically implemented when specific conditions from all interested parties are reached, cutting the time involved and the risk of mistakes. Another use could be storing medical records, as patients can be confident their information cannot be changed. The technology can also be used in supply chains, voting and has the potential to used for storing property records.

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%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3A%20Quentin%20Tarantino%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3A%20Uma%20Thurman%2C%20David%20Carradine%20and%20Michael%20Madsen%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3A%204.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Score

New Zealand 266 for 9 in 50 overs
Pakistan 219 all out in 47.2 overs 

New Zealand win by 47 runs

New Zealand lead three-match ODI series 1-0

Next match: Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi, Friday

The biog

Marital status: Separated with two young daughters

Education: Master's degree from American Univeristy of Cairo

Favourite book: That Is How They Defeat Despair by Salwa Aladian

Favourite Motto: Their happiness is your happiness

Goal: For Nefsy to become his legacy long after he is gon

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%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirectors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Aaron%20Horvath%20and%20Michael%20Jelenic%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Chris%20Pratt%2C%20Anya%20Taylor-Joy%2C%20Charlie%20Day%2C%20Jack%20Black%2C%20Seth%20Rogen%20and%20Keegan-Michael%20Key%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%201%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Disability on screen

Empire — neuromuscular disease myasthenia gravis; bipolar disorder; post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Rosewood and Transparent — heart issues

24: Legacy — PTSD;

Superstore and NCIS: New Orleans — wheelchair-bound

Taken and This Is Us — cancer

Trial & Error — cognitive disorder prosopagnosia (facial blindness and dyslexia)

Grey’s Anatomy — prosthetic leg

Scorpion — obsessive compulsive disorder and anxiety

Switched at Birth — deafness

One Mississippi, Wentworth and Transparent — double mastectomy

Dragons — double amputee

All or Nothing

Amazon Prime

Four stars

The Buckingham Murders

Starring: Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ash Tandon, Prabhleen Sandhu

Director: Hansal Mehta

Rating: 4 / 5

TEAMS

US Team
Dustin Johnson, Jordan Spieth
Justin Thomas, Daniel Berger
Brooks Koepka, Rickie Fowler
Kevin Kisner, Patrick Reed
Matt Kuchar, Kevin Chappell
Charley Hoffman*, Phil Mickelson*

International Team
Hideki Matsuyama, Jason Day 
Adam Scott, Louis Oosthuizen
Marc Leishman, Charl Schwartzel
Branden Grace, Si Woo Kim
Jhonattan Vegas, Adam Hadwin
Emiliano Grillo*, Anirban Lahiri*

denotes captain's picks

 

 

Our House, Louise Candlish,
Simon & Schuster

Infiniti QX80 specs

Engine: twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6

Power: 450hp

Torque: 700Nm

Price: From Dh450,000, Autograph model from Dh510,000

Available: Now

Hotel Silence
Auður Ava Ólafsdóttir
Pushkin Press

10 tips for entry-level job seekers
  • Have an up-to-date, professional LinkedIn profile. If you don’t have a LinkedIn account, set one up today. Avoid poor-quality profile pictures with distracting backgrounds. Include a professional summary and begin to grow your network.
  • Keep track of the job trends in your sector through the news. Apply for job alerts at your dream organisations and the types of jobs you want – LinkedIn uses AI to share similar relevant jobs based on your selections.
  • Double check that you’ve highlighted relevant skills on your resume and LinkedIn profile.
  • For most entry-level jobs, your resume will first be filtered by an applicant tracking system for keywords. Look closely at the description of the job you are applying for and mirror the language as much as possible (while being honest and accurate about your skills and experience).
  • Keep your CV professional and in a simple format – make sure you tailor your cover letter and application to the company and role.
  • Go online and look for details on job specifications for your target position. Make a list of skills required and set yourself some learning goals to tick off all the necessary skills one by one.
  • Don’t be afraid to reach outside your immediate friends and family to other acquaintances and let them know you are looking for new opportunities.
  • Make sure you’ve set your LinkedIn profile to signal that you are “open to opportunities”. Also be sure to use LinkedIn to search for people who are still actively hiring by searching for those that have the headline “I’m hiring” or “We’re hiring” in their profile.
  • Prepare for online interviews using mock interview tools. Even before landing interviews, it can be useful to start practising.
  • Be professional and patient. Always be professional with whoever you are interacting with throughout your search process, this will be remembered. You need to be patient, dedicated and not give up on your search. Candidates need to make sure they are following up appropriately for roles they have applied.

Arda Atalay, head of Mena private sector at LinkedIn Talent Solutions, Rudy Bier, managing partner of Kinetic Business Solutions and Ben Kinerman Daltrey, co-founder of KinFitz

Updated: August 14, 2021, 3:04 PM