Sultan Al Neyadi marked US Independence Day celebrations by posting images of the Great Salt Lake and the San Francisco Bay Salt Ponds taken from space. Photo: Sultan Al Neyadi
Sultan Al Neyadi marked US Independence Day celebrations by posting images of the Great Salt Lake and the San Francisco Bay Salt Ponds taken from space. Photo: Sultan Al Neyadi
Sultan Al Neyadi marked US Independence Day celebrations by posting images of the Great Salt Lake and the San Francisco Bay Salt Ponds taken from space. Photo: Sultan Al Neyadi
Sultan Al Neyadi marked US Independence Day celebrations by posting images of the Great Salt Lake and the San Francisco Bay Salt Ponds taken from space. Photo: Sultan Al Neyadi

UAE

How the UAE marked US Independence Day at home and in space

The Burj Khalifa turned red, white and blue as Sultan Al Neyadi paid tribute from the International Space Station

The National

July 05, 2023

  • English
  • Arabic

The UAE marked America's Independence Day in spectacular style – both at home and 400km above Earth on the International Space Station.

Dubai's Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, was bathed in red, white and blue for a towering tribute to the July 4 holiday.

It was one of a number of landmarks across the Emirates decked out in the American national colours.

The US flag was also proudly on display at Adnoc's headquarters in Abu Dhabi.

Emirati astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi offered his own best wishes from the ISS, sharing two pictures of the country's landscape.

"Happy 4th of July to all my American friends! Sharing with you some snapshots of nature’s artistry from this beautiful land I’ve had the privilege to call home and made some great memories," Dr Al Neyadi said.

"The photos are of the Great Salt Lake in Utah and San Francisco Bay Salt Ponds."

President Sheikh Mohamed sent a message of congratulations to US counterpart Joe Biden on the occasion, state news agency Wam reported on Tuesday.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court, sent similar messages to the US president.

American Independence Day commemorates the Declaration of Independence, which was ratified on July 4, 1776, heralding the birth of the US and its separation from the British Empire.

Independence Day celebrations - in pictures

  • Fireworks on the boardwalk at New York's historic Coney Island. Photo: Bob Jagendorf
    Fireworks on the boardwalk at New York's historic Coney Island. Photo: Bob Jagendorf
  • Face-painting is often a US holiday tradition. Photo: US National Archives
    Face-painting is often a US holiday tradition. Photo: US National Archives
  • The National Archives celebrates Independence Day with musical performances, a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence, and history-related family activities, this time in 2019 in Washington DC. Nara Photo by Jeffrey Reed.
    The National Archives celebrates Independence Day with musical performances, a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence, and history-related family activities, this time in 2019 in Washington DC. Nara Photo by Jeffrey Reed.
  • Washington Nationals Racing Presidents stop at the National Archives to shoot a new fourth-inning race introduction video, where they were met by US Archivist David Ferriero.
    Washington Nationals Racing Presidents stop at the National Archives to shoot a new fourth-inning race introduction video, where they were met by US Archivist David Ferriero.
  • Visitors read the US Constitution on display at the National Archives in Washington.
    Visitors read the US Constitution on display at the National Archives in Washington.
  • The skyrockets' red glare lights up the Washington Monument. Photo: Joseph Gruber
    The skyrockets' red glare lights up the Washington Monument. Photo: Joseph Gruber
  • The National Archives celebrates Independence Day with musical performances, a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence, and history-related family activities on July 4, 2019, in Washington DC. NARA Photo by Jeffrey Reed.
    The National Archives celebrates Independence Day with musical performances, a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence, and history-related family activities on July 4, 2019, in Washington DC. NARA Photo by Jeffrey Reed.
  • A man and his patriotic dog show their civic pride. Photo Faith Goble
    A man and his patriotic dog show their civic pride. Photo Faith Goble
  • Role players recreate a scene from 1776 for an audience outside Washington's National Archives. Photo: US National Archives
    Role players recreate a scene from 1776 for an audience outside Washington's National Archives. Photo: US National Archives
  • Disneyland's Space Mountain and an epic fireworks display. Photo: Don Sullivan
    Disneyland's Space Mountain and an epic fireworks display. Photo: Don Sullivan
  • The National Archives celebrates Independence Day with musical performances, a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence, and history-related family activities on July 4, 2019 in Washington DC. NARA Photo by Ted Chaffman.
    The National Archives celebrates Independence Day with musical performances, a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence, and history-related family activities on July 4, 2019 in Washington DC. NARA Photo by Ted Chaffman.
  • Costumed role players participate in Washington's Independence Day tradition. Photo: US National Archives
    Costumed role players participate in Washington's Independence Day tradition. Photo: US National Archives
  • Independence Day in the US is celebrated from coast to coast. Photo: US Army
    Independence Day in the US is celebrated from coast to coast. Photo: US Army
  • Flag-bearing Fourth of July revellers rumble through the streets of middle America. Photo: Ken Mattison
    Flag-bearing Fourth of July revellers rumble through the streets of middle America. Photo: Ken Mattison
  • Macy's department store hosts one of the nation's largest displays of fireworks on New York's East River. Photo: Dan Nguyen
    Macy's department store hosts one of the nation's largest displays of fireworks on New York's East River. Photo: Dan Nguyen
  • A four-legged American shows its colours. Photo: Randy Robertson
    A four-legged American shows its colours. Photo: Randy Robertson
  • Parades throughout the streets of America are a Fourth of July tradition and give classic car owners a chance to strut their stuff. Photo: Robert Couse-Baker
    Parades throughout the streets of America are a Fourth of July tradition and give classic car owners a chance to strut their stuff. Photo: Robert Couse-Baker
  • Residents of Berkeley, California, enjoy an evening of pyrotechnics. Photo: Daniel Parks
    Residents of Berkeley, California, enjoy an evening of pyrotechnics. Photo: Daniel Parks
  • A giant bald eagle balloon makes its way through Washington and past the National Archives. Photo: US National Archives
    A giant bald eagle balloon makes its way through Washington and past the National Archives. Photo: US National Archives
  • The National Archives hosts an annual Independence Day celebration with musical performances, a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence, and history-related family activities. Photo: US National Archives
    The National Archives hosts an annual Independence Day celebration with musical performances, a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence, and history-related family activities. Photo: US National Archives
  • An air dancer by the National Archives on the Fourth of July in Washington. Photo: US National Archives
    An air dancer by the National Archives on the Fourth of July in Washington. Photo: US National Archives
  • The National Mall, with Washington monuments and the US Capitol in the background, forms a beautiful and patriotic backdrop to America's Independence Day celebrations. Photo: Carol Highsmith
    The National Mall, with Washington monuments and the US Capitol in the background, forms a beautiful and patriotic backdrop to America's Independence Day celebrations. Photo: Carol Highsmith
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While you're here
Ireland (15-1):

Ireland (15-1): Rob Kearney; Keith Earls, Chris Farrell, Bundee Aki, Jacob Stockdale; Jonathan Sexton, Conor Murray; Jack Conan, Sean O'Brien, Peter O'Mahony; James Ryan, Quinn Roux; Tadhg Furlong, Rory Best (capt), Cian Healy

Replacements: Sean Cronin, Dave Kilcoyne, Andrew Porter, Ultan Dillane, Josh van der Flier, John Cooney, Joey Carbery, Jordan Larmour

Coach: Joe Schmidt (NZL)

Desert Warrior

Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley

Director: Rupert Wyatt

Rating: 3/5

The bio

Favourite food: Japanese

Favourite car: Lamborghini

Favourite hobby: Football

Favourite quote: If your dreams don’t scare you, they are not big enough

Favourite country: UAE

Countries recognising Palestine

France, UK, Canada, Australia, Portugal, Belgium, Malta, Luxembourg, San Marino and Andorra

 

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

While you're here
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.

While you're here
Company Fact Box

Company name/date started: Abwaab Technologies / September 2019

Founders: Hamdi Tabbaa, co-founder and CEO. Hussein Alsarabi, co-founder and CTO

Based: Amman, Jordan

Sector: Education Technology

Size (employees/revenue): Total team size: 65. Full-time employees: 25. Revenue undisclosed

Stage: early-stage startup 

Investors: Adam Tech Ventures, Endure Capital, Equitrust, the World Bank-backed Innovative Startups SMEs Fund, a London investment fund, a number of former and current executives from Uber and Netflix, among others.

While you're here
World Mental Health Day
THE SPECS

Jaguar F-Pace SVR

Engine: 5-litre supercharged V8​​​​​​​

Transmission: 8-speed automatic

Power: 542bhp​​​​​​​

Torque: 680Nm​​​​​​​

Price: Dh465,071

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See also
Difference between fractional ownership and timeshare

Although similar in its appearance, the concept of a fractional title deed is unlike that of a timeshare, which usually involves multiple investors buying “time” in a property whereby the owner has the right to occupation for a specified period of time in any year, as opposed to the actual real estate, said John Peacock, Head of Indirect Tax and Conveyancing, BSA Ahmad Bin Hezeem & Associates, a law firm.

Australia tour of Pakistan

March 4-8: First Test, Rawalpindi  

March 12-16: Second Test, Karachi 

March 21-25: Third Test, Lahore

March 29: First ODI, Rawalpindi

March 31: Second ODI, Rawalpindi

April 2: Third ODI, Rawalpindi

April 5: T20I, Rawalpindi

'Ghostbusters: From Beyond'

Director: Jason Reitman

Starring: Paul Rudd, Carrie Coon, Finn Wolfhard, Mckenna Grace

Rating: 2/5

What's in the deal?

Agreement aims to boost trade by £25.5bn a year in the long run, compared with a total of £42.6bn in 2024

India will slash levies on medical devices, machinery, cosmetics, soft drinks and lamb.

India will also cut automotive tariffs to 10% under a quota from over 100% currently.

Indian employees in the UK will receive three years exemption from social security payments

India expects 99% of exports to benefit from zero duty, raising opportunities for textiles, marine products, footwear and jewellery

Tales of Yusuf Tadros

Adel Esmat (translated by Mandy McClure)

Hoopoe

Whiile you're here
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

The specs

AT4 Ultimate, as tested

Engine: 6.2-litre V8

Power: 420hp

Torque: 623Nm

Transmission: 10-speed automatic

Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)

On sale: Now

Habib El Qalb

Assi Al Hallani

(Rotana)

Red Joan

Director: Trevor Nunn

Starring: Judi Dench, Sophie Cookson, Tereza Srbova

Rating: 3/5 stars

Updated: July 05, 2023, 9:35 AM
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