It’s the next best thing to going into space – as long as you have a strong stomach.
Students are being offered a chance to experience zero gravity thanks to a competition organised by the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre.
The winners will fly to Florida for a flight that simulates the experience of gravity on Mars, the Moon and in space, where they will be completely weightless.
The specially adapted Boeing 727 climbs steeply, then plunges at an angle of 46 degrees and at 350kph in a parabolic trajectory that creates the effect of zero gravity for up to 22 seconds.
Known officially as reduced-weight aircraft, they are used by Nasa to train astronauts who gave it the nickname “vomit comet” because it can induce nausea. Nasa prefers to call them "weightless wonders".
The winners of the competition will also carry out scientific experiments during their flights, simulating working on the International Space Station – the destination for the first UAE astronauts in 2020.
As well as training its first astronaut corps, the Space Centre is involved in a number of projects, including the 2020 Emirates Mars Mission and the long-term goal of a city on Mars by 2117.
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Read more:
Welcome to Space Academy: university's new science degree offers students a key part in UAE's Mars programme
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More than 4,000 Emiratis apply to become UAE's first astronaut
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"We are thrilled to be able to offer such a unique scientific experience to our future generation of space explorers residing here in the UAE to enable them to join the country in its journey to space,” said Adnan Al Rais, the director of the Mars 2117 Programme at the Space Centre.
There will be 20 winners, with the contest open to anyone studying in the UAE over the age of 16. Individuals can apply through the MBRSS website, and groups up to a maximum of three people.
Applicants must answer three questions either in writing, or by making a video, talking about what experiment they would conduct in zero gravity conditions. The closing date is July 5.
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Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
Top financial tips for graduates
Araminta Robertson, of the Financially Mint blog, shares her financial advice for university leavers:
1. Build digital or technical skills: After graduation, people can find it extremely hard to find jobs. From programming to digital marketing, your early twenties are for building skills. Future employers will want people with tech skills.
2. Side hustle: At 16, I lived in a village and started teaching online, as well as doing work as a virtual assistant and marketer. There are six skills you can use online: translation; teaching; programming; digital marketing; design and writing. If you master two, you’ll always be able to make money.
3. Networking: Knowing how to make connections is extremely useful. Use LinkedIn to find people who have the job you want, connect and ask to meet for coffee. Ask how they did it and if they know anyone who can help you. I secured quite a few clients this way.
4. Pay yourself first: The minute you receive any income, put about 15 per cent aside into a savings account you won’t touch, to go towards your emergency fund or to start investing. I do 20 per cent. It helped me start saving immediately.
Key findings of Jenkins report
- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
- Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
- Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
Tamkeen's offering
- Option 1: 70% in year 1, 50% in year 2, 30% in year 3
- Option 2: 50% across three years
- Option 3: 30% across five years
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Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
