• An Emirati astronaut is set for a six-month mission to the International Space Station after the UAE bought a seat on a SpaceX rocket from private company, Axiom Space. Pictured is Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, with UAE's four astronauts at the 72nd International Astronautical Congress held in Dubai in October, 2021. Wam
    An Emirati astronaut is set for a six-month mission to the International Space Station after the UAE bought a seat on a SpaceX rocket from private company, Axiom Space. Pictured is Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, with UAE's four astronauts at the 72nd International Astronautical Congress held in Dubai in October, 2021. Wam
  • An Emirati astronaut will ride to the ISS on SpaceX's Crew Dragon capsule for the first time. Photo: SpaceX via AP
    An Emirati astronaut will ride to the ISS on SpaceX's Crew Dragon capsule for the first time. Photo: SpaceX via AP
  • Mohammed Al Mulla, left, and Nora Al Matrooshi joined Hazza Al Mansouri and Sultan Al Neyadi as UAE astronauts last year. Photo: MBRSC
    Mohammed Al Mulla, left, and Nora Al Matrooshi joined Hazza Al Mansouri and Sultan Al Neyadi as UAE astronauts last year. Photo: MBRSC
  • The selected astronaut will be part of the SpaceX Crew-6 mission that is scheduled for launch in the first half of 2023 from Florida’s Kennedy Space Centre. Photo: Dr Al Neyadi Twitter
    The selected astronaut will be part of the SpaceX Crew-6 mission that is scheduled for launch in the first half of 2023 from Florida’s Kennedy Space Centre. Photo: Dr Al Neyadi Twitter
  • Nora Al Matrooshi, the first Arab female astronaut, and Mohammed Al Mulla with their Nasa colleagues earlier this year when their training in Houston first started. Mr Al Mulla Twitter
    Nora Al Matrooshi, the first Arab female astronaut, and Mohammed Al Mulla with their Nasa colleagues earlier this year when their training in Houston first started. Mr Al Mulla Twitter
  • This will be the UAE’s second mission to space, following Hazza Al Mansouri’s historic eight-day trip to the orbiting laboratory in 2019 on a Russian Soyuz rocket. Photo: YouTube
    This will be the UAE’s second mission to space, following Hazza Al Mansouri’s historic eight-day trip to the orbiting laboratory in 2019 on a Russian Soyuz rocket. Photo: YouTube
  • The latest trip will be the first long-duration mission by an Arab astronaut, who is yet to be identified. Photo: MBRSC
    The latest trip will be the first long-duration mission by an Arab astronaut, who is yet to be identified. Photo: MBRSC
  • The UAE's first astronaut in space, Maj Hazza Al Mansour, wore a Russian Sokol suit. But this time, the chosen astronaut will be wearing a SpaceX suit. Photo: MBRSC
    The UAE's first astronaut in space, Maj Hazza Al Mansour, wore a Russian Sokol suit. But this time, the chosen astronaut will be wearing a SpaceX suit. Photo: MBRSC
  • Mohammed Al Mulla, a former Dubai Police helicopter pilot, is training hard at Nasa to become an astronaut. Mr Al Mulla Twitter
    Mohammed Al Mulla, a former Dubai Police helicopter pilot, is training hard at Nasa to become an astronaut. Mr Al Mulla Twitter

Who are the UAE’s four astronauts - and which is going on next space mission?


Sarwat Nasir
  • English
  • Arabic

All four Emirati astronauts are training at a Nasa centre in Houston, but only one will be selected to go on the UAE’s latest mission to space.

This time it is a six-month mission to the International Space Station, the first long-duration space stint by an Arab country. It is also the first time an Arab astronaut will be part of a Nasa-SpaceX mission.

In 2019, the UAE made history when it sent the first Arab astronaut to the orbiting laboratory for an eight-day stay.

It had purchased a seat on the Russian Soyuz rocket, which was the only ride for astronauts after the US disbanded its Space Shuttle programme in 2011.

But now, SpaceX is also capable of sending astronauts to the space station with its Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon capsule.

Private companies such as Axiom Space, a space travel and infrastructure company in Houston, is helping to organise trips for clients.

Luckily for the UAE, Axiom was owed a spot on a Nasa-SpaceX mission by the US space agency, which the country was able to secure for an Emirati astronaut. But, who are the UAE’s four astronauts and which one is likely to go on this new, momentous mission?

The National takes a closer look.

Hazza Al Mansouri

He made headlines around the world in 2019, when a Soyuz rocket launched him into space from Kazakhstan’s Baikonur Cosmodrome.

Maj Al Mansouri, 38, a former fighter jet pilot from Abu Dhabi, became the first Emirati astronaut in space and the first Arab on the ISS.

  • Hazza Al Mansouri, shortly after arriving back on Earth. Photo: MBRSC
    Hazza Al Mansouri, shortly after arriving back on Earth. Photo: MBRSC
  • Hazza Al Mansouri wears an Emirati kandura on board the International Space Station. Photo: Dubai Media Office
    Hazza Al Mansouri wears an Emirati kandura on board the International Space Station. Photo: Dubai Media Office
  • Emirati astronaut Hazza Al Mansouri takes live Q&A from space and gives a tour of ISS. Screengrab via Youtube Live
    Emirati astronaut Hazza Al Mansouri takes live Q&A from space and gives a tour of ISS. Screengrab via Youtube Live
  • Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashid talks with Emirati astronaut, Hazza Al Mansouri, during a live satellite feed from the International Space Station. Photo: Dubai Media Office
    Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashid talks with Emirati astronaut, Hazza Al Mansouri, during a live satellite feed from the International Space Station. Photo: Dubai Media Office
  • Hazza Al Mansouri answers questions from Emirati students studying in Japan during a live session on Monday. Photo: Jaxa
    Hazza Al Mansouri answers questions from Emirati students studying in Japan during a live session on Monday. Photo: Jaxa
  • One of the pictures Hazza Al Mansouri took while onboard the International Space Station. Photo: Hazza Al Mansouri
    One of the pictures Hazza Al Mansouri took while onboard the International Space Station. Photo: Hazza Al Mansouri
  • Hazza Al Mansouri having breakfast aboard the International Space Station. The UAE's first astronaut received the Nasa Distinguished Public Service Medal in recognition of his service. Photo: Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre
    Hazza Al Mansouri having breakfast aboard the International Space Station. The UAE's first astronaut received the Nasa Distinguished Public Service Medal in recognition of his service. Photo: Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre
  • Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, welcomes Hazza Al Mansouri to Abu Dhabi. Wam
    Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, welcomes Hazza Al Mansouri to Abu Dhabi. Wam
  • Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court, presents a certificate to Astronaut Major Hazza Al Mansouri at Khalifa University Graduation Ceremony at Emirates Palace in 2019. Hamad Al Kaabi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs
    Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court, presents a certificate to Astronaut Major Hazza Al Mansouri at Khalifa University Graduation Ceremony at Emirates Palace in 2019. Hamad Al Kaabi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs
  • UAE astronauts Hazza Al Mansouri and Sultan Al Neyadi tell of their experiences on the UAE space mission during a press conference in Dubai on Tuesday. Pawan Singh / The National
    UAE astronauts Hazza Al Mansouri and Sultan Al Neyadi tell of their experiences on the UAE space mission during a press conference in Dubai on Tuesday. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Maj Hazza Al Mansouri with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed. Courtesy: Dubai Media Office
    Maj Hazza Al Mansouri with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed. Courtesy: Dubai Media Office
  • UAE's first astronaut Hazza Al Mansouri inside the Kibo lab on the International Space Station. Courtesy: Jaxa
    UAE's first astronaut Hazza Al Mansouri inside the Kibo lab on the International Space Station. Courtesy: Jaxa
  • Hazza Al Mansouri was the first person from the United Arab Emirates to go into space. National Geographic
    Hazza Al Mansouri was the first person from the United Arab Emirates to go into space. National Geographic
  • Hazza Al Mansouri (left) and Sultan Al Neyadi carried the hopes of a nation as they prepared to venture into space. Courtesy: Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre
    Hazza Al Mansouri (left) and Sultan Al Neyadi carried the hopes of a nation as they prepared to venture into space. Courtesy: Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre
  • Hazza Al Mansouri arrives at the Presidential Terminal at Abu Dhabi International Airport on Saturday. Wam
    Hazza Al Mansouri arrives at the Presidential Terminal at Abu Dhabi International Airport on Saturday. Wam
  • Hazza Al Mansouri is tended to by ground crews. Nasa / Youtube screengrab
    Hazza Al Mansouri is tended to by ground crews. Nasa / Youtube screengrab
  • Hazza Al Mansouri posted the image of the Soyuz to his Twitter page.
    Hazza Al Mansouri posted the image of the Soyuz to his Twitter page.

The father-of-four spent eight days on the station, carrying out 16 science experiments and an educational programme for UAE pupils.

He trained for one year in Russia’s Star City, and has been training for long-duration missions at the Nasa Johnson Space Centre in Houston since September 2020.

The latest training includes learning how to perform spacewalks, the systems of the ISS, and learning how to operate the station’s robotic arm Canadarm2.

Sultan Al Neyadi

Dr Al Neyadi, 40, was selected to be part of the UAE’s astronaut corps alongside Maj Al Mansouri.

He was the back-up astronaut for the country’s first space mission and trained in Russia for one year with his colleague.

  • Emirati astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi has completed Nasa's intense T-38 Talon supersonic jet training. All photos courtesy of Mr Al Neyadi Twitter
    Emirati astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi has completed Nasa's intense T-38 Talon supersonic jet training. All photos courtesy of Mr Al Neyadi Twitter
  • The T-38 jets have been used by Nasa to train astronauts since the 1960s.
    The T-38 jets have been used by Nasa to train astronauts since the 1960s.
  • Mr Al Neyadi and his American colleague on the way to train on a T-38 jet.
    Mr Al Neyadi and his American colleague on the way to train on a T-38 jet.
  • Mr Al Neyadi on a T-38 jet, which travels faster than the speed of sound and prepares astronauts for spaceflight.
    Mr Al Neyadi on a T-38 jet, which travels faster than the speed of sound and prepares astronauts for spaceflight.
  • Flying the supersonic jet involves traveling at speeds of Mach 1.6 and experiencing more than seven G-forces, or seven times the gravity, because of the speed – enough to make an average person unconscious.
    Flying the supersonic jet involves traveling at speeds of Mach 1.6 and experiencing more than seven G-forces, or seven times the gravity, because of the speed – enough to make an average person unconscious.
  • Mr Al Neyadi on board the T-38 Talon supersonic jet.
    Mr Al Neyadi on board the T-38 Talon supersonic jet.
  • Mr Al Neyadi prepares for a training session on a T-38 supersonic jet.
    Mr Al Neyadi prepares for a training session on a T-38 supersonic jet.
  • Mr Al Neyadi and Nasa astronaut Chris Cassidy at the Johnson Space Centre in Houston, Texas.
    Mr Al Neyadi and Nasa astronaut Chris Cassidy at the Johnson Space Centre in Houston, Texas.

Since 2020, the former IT professional has also been training in Houston.

Born in Al Ain, Dr Al Neyadi has an impressive career background, having served for the UAE military as a network security engineer.

He has a PhD in Information Technology from Australia’s Griffith University, and a Bachelor of Science in Electronics and Communication Engineering from UK’s University of Brighton.

Nora Al Matrooshi

Ms Al Matrooshi is the first Arab woman to be selected as an astronaut.

The 29-year-old mechanical engineer joined the UAE’s astronaut corps last year, and started her training in Houston in January.

An Abu Dhabi native, she has been working for the capital’s National Petroleum Construction Company for the past few years.

She has a number of achievements to her name, including being the vice president of the Youth Council for three years. She is also a member of the American Association for Mechanical Engineers.

Mohammed Al Mulla

Mr Al Mulla, 34, is a pilot with more than 1,500 flight hours under his belt.

Born in Dubai, he served as a pilot at Dubai Police's Air Wing Centre and was also the head of the training department there.

He holds a commercial pilot’s licence, has a bachelor’s degree in law and economics, as well as an executive master’s in public administration from Mohammed bin Rashid School of Government.

His career achievements include being the youngest pilot in Dubai Police at 19 years of age.

He also received a bravery medal from Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai.

Sultan Al Neyadi likely going on next mission

In 2019, two days after Maj Al Mansouri launched to space, a senior UAE official said that Dr Al Neyadi would be part of the country’s next space mission.

Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Falasi, who was serving as chairman of the UAE Space Agency at the time, told local media: “We intend to further develop our space programme and we will be sending Sultan Al Neyadi next to the ISS in the near future.”

Maj Al Mansouri could be the back-up astronaut for this latest mission, as Ms Al Matrooshi and Mr Al Mulla have only recently started their training and may not qualify for a long-term science mission on the station.

Also, there has never been an instance where a country’s first astronaut is sent on a mission back-to-back.

Russia’s first cosmonaut, Yuri Gagarin, was sent on only one mission.

Alan Shepard, the first American astronaut, was sent on only two missions. His second was part of the Apollo programme ― and came 10 years after his first mission.

The UAE has plans to secure multiple spaceflights in the future to create a sustainable astronaut programme.

The country is also in discussions with Nasa about participating in the Artemis programme, which aims to build a human presence on the Moon.

And, with the ISS eventually being retired at the end of this decade, it is likely the UAE's newest astronaut would embark on missions to the Moon.

Know before you go
  • Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
  • If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
  • By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
  • Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
  • Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.

 

AS%20WE%20EXIST
%3Cp%3EAuthor%3A%20Kaoutar%20Harchi%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EPublisher%3A%20Other%20Press%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EPages%3A%20176%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EAvailable%3A%20Now%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Red flags
  • Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
  • Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
  • Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
  • Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
  • Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.

Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching

The specs

Engine: 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder turbo

Transmission: CVT

Power: 170bhp

Torque: 220Nm

Price: Dh98,900

Tightening the screw on rogue recruiters

The UAE overhauled the procedure to recruit housemaids and domestic workers with a law in 2017 to protect low-income labour from being exploited.

 Only recruitment companies authorised by the government are permitted as part of Tadbeer, a network of labour ministry-regulated centres.

A contract must be drawn up for domestic workers, the wages and job offer clearly stating the nature of work.

The contract stating the wages, work entailed and accommodation must be sent to the employee in their home country before they depart for the UAE.

The contract will be signed by the employer and employee when the domestic worker arrives in the UAE.

Only recruitment agencies registered with the ministry can undertake recruitment and employment applications for domestic workers.

Penalties for illegal recruitment in the UAE include fines of up to Dh100,000 and imprisonment

But agents not authorised by the government sidestep the law by illegally getting women into the country on visit visas.

CHINESE GRAND PRIX STARTING GRID

1st row
Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari)
Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari)

2nd row
Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes-GP)
Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes-GP)

3rd row
Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing)
Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull Racing)

4th row
Nico Hulkenberg (Renault)
Sergio Perez (Force India)

5th row
Carlos Sainz Jr (Renault)
Romain Grosjean (Haas)

6th row
Kevin Magnussen (Haas)
Esteban Ocon (Force India)

7th row
Fernando Alonso (McLaren)
Stoffel Vandoorne (McLaren)

8th row
Brendon Hartley (Toro Rosso)
Sergey Sirotkin (Williams)

9th row
Pierre Gasly (Toro Rosso)
Lance Stroll (Williams)

10th row
Charles Leclerc (Sauber)
arcus Ericsson (Sauber)

THE APPRENTICE

Director: Ali Abbasi

Starring: Sebastian Stan, Maria Bakalova, Jeremy Strong

Rating: 3/5

At a glance - Zayed Sustainability Prize 2020

Launched: 2008

Categories: Health, energy, water, food, global high schools

Prize: Dh2.2 million (Dh360,000 for global high schools category)

Winners’ announcement: Monday, January 13

 

Impact in numbers

335 million people positively impacted by projects

430,000 jobs created

10 million people given access to clean and affordable drinking water

50 million homes powered by renewable energy

6.5 billion litres of water saved

26 million school children given solar lighting

VEZEETA PROFILE

Date started: 2012

Founder: Amir Barsoum

Based: Dubai, UAE

Sector: HealthTech / MedTech

Size: 300 employees

Funding: $22.6 million (as of September 2018)

Investors: Technology Development Fund, Silicon Badia, Beco Capital, Vostok New Ventures, Endeavour Catalyst, Crescent Enterprises’ CE-Ventures, Saudi Technology Ventures and IFC

Jetour T1 specs

Engine: 2-litre turbocharged

Power: 254hp

Torque: 390Nm

Price: From Dh126,000

Available: Now

Avatar: Fire and Ash

Director: James Cameron

Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana

Rating: 4.5/5

Company profile

Name: Thndr

Started: October 2020

Founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr

Based: Cairo, Egypt

Sector: FinTech

Initial investment: pre-seed of $800,000

Funding stage: series A; $20 million

Investors: Tiger Global, Beco Capital, Prosus Ventures, Y Combinator, Global Ventures, Abdul Latif Jameel, Endure Capital, 4DX Ventures, Plus VC,  Rabacap and MSA Capital

Dolittle

Director: Stephen Gaghan

Stars: Robert Downey Jr, Michael Sheen

One-and-a-half out of five stars

Spare

Profile

Company name: Spare

Started: March 2018

Co-founders: Dalal Alrayes and Saurabh Shah

Based: UAE

Sector: FinTech

Investment: Own savings. Going for first round of fund-raising in March 2019

'Worse than a prison sentence'

Marie Byrne, a counsellor who volunteers at the UAE government's mental health crisis helpline, said the ordeal the crew had been through would take time to overcome.

“It was worse than a prison sentence, where at least someone can deal with a set amount of time incarcerated," she said.

“They were living in perpetual mystery as to how their futures would pan out, and what that would be.

“Because of coronavirus, the world is very different now to the one they left, that will also have an impact.

“It will not fully register until they are on dry land. Some have not seen their young children grow up while others will have to rebuild relationships.

“It will be a challenge mentally, and to find other work to support their families as they have been out of circulation for so long. Hopefully they will get the care they need when they get home.”

hall of shame

SUNDERLAND 2002-03

No one has ended a Premier League season quite like Sunderland. They lost each of their final 15 games, taking no points after January. They ended up with 19 in total, sacking managers Peter Reid and Howard Wilkinson and losing 3-1 to Charlton when they scored three own goals in eight minutes.

SUNDERLAND 2005-06

Until Derby came along, Sunderland’s total of 15 points was the Premier League’s record low. They made it until May and their final home game before winning at the Stadium of Light while they lost a joint record 29 of their 38 league games.

HUDDERSFIELD 2018-19

Joined Derby as the only team to be relegated in March. No striker scored until January, while only two players got more assists than goalkeeper Jonas Lossl. The mid-season appointment Jan Siewert was to end his time as Huddersfield manager with a 5.3 per cent win rate.

ASTON VILLA 2015-16

Perhaps the most inexplicably bad season, considering they signed Idrissa Gueye and Adama Traore and still only got 17 points. Villa won their first league game, but none of the next 19. They ended an abominable campaign by taking one point from the last 39 available.

FULHAM 2018-19

Terrible in different ways. Fulham’s total of 26 points is not among the lowest ever but they contrived to get relegated after spending over £100 million (Dh457m) in the transfer market. Much of it went on defenders but they only kept two clean sheets in their first 33 games.

LA LIGA: Sporting Gijon, 13 points in 1997-98.

BUNDESLIGA: Tasmania Berlin, 10 points in 1965-66

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
While you're here
Company%20Profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENamara%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EJune%202022%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMohammed%20Alnamara%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDubai%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMicrofinance%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECurrent%20number%20of%20staff%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E16%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESeries%20A%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFamily%20offices%0D%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Basquiat in Abu Dhabi

One of Basquiat’s paintings, the vibrant Cabra (1981–82), now hangs in Louvre Abu Dhabi temporarily, on loan from the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. 

The latter museum is not open physically, but has assembled a collection and puts together a series of events called Talking Art, such as this discussion, moderated by writer Chaedria LaBouvier. 

It's something of a Basquiat season in Abu Dhabi at the moment. Last week, The Radiant Child, a documentary on Basquiat was shown at Manarat Al Saadiyat, and tonight (April 18) the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi is throwing the re-creation of a party tonight, of the legendary Canal Zone party thrown in 1979, which epitomised the collaborative scene of the time. It was at Canal Zone that Basquiat met prominent members of the art world and moved from unknown graffiti artist into someone in the spotlight.  

“We’ve invited local resident arists, we’ll have spray cans at the ready,” says curator Maisa Al Qassemi of the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. 

Guggenheim Abu Dhabi's Canal Zone Remix is at Manarat Al Saadiyat, Thursday April 18, from 8pm. Free entry to all. Basquiat's Cabra is on view at Louvre Abu Dhabi until October

TO A LAND UNKNOWN

Director: Mahdi Fleifel

Starring: Mahmoud Bakri, Aram Sabbah, Mohammad Alsurafa

Rating: 4.5/5

Updated: May 06, 2022, 3:00 AM