From dramatic dunes and eye-catching lakes to coral reefs and huge dust storms, astronauts in space have been capturing the wonders of the Middle East for many years.
The Earth Observatory by Nasa has hundreds of images on its website taken from the International Space Station.
The UAE's first astronaut, Hazza Al Mansouri, also tweeted a selection of striking photos of his homeland and other countries in the region during his time in space.
Other spectacular snapshots show thunder clouds over Saudi Arabia, volcanic fields in Syria and dust storms sweeping across the Arabian Gulf.
The National has highlighted 20 picture-perfect scenes of the Middle East captured from space over the years.
“From their orbiting home on the International Space Station, astronauts have a view unlike anything most of us will ever see,” Nasa’s Earth Observatory said.
“In the past 20 years, they have shot millions of photographs, and it is not just a hobby. It is an important scientific job, and one they need to be trained to do.
“So, the astronauts and the Earth Science and Remote Sensing team work together before, during and after every mission to get the most out of every shot.”
Images captured by UAE satellite KhalifaSat - in pictures
Groom and Two Brides
Director: Elie Semaan
Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla
Rating: 3/5
The National photo project
Chris Whiteoak, a photographer at The National, spent months taking some of Jacqui Allan's props around the UAE, positioning them perfectly in front of some of the country's most recognisable landmarks. He placed a pirate on Kite Beach, in front of the Burj Al Arab, the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland at the Burj Khalifa, and brought one of Allan's snails (Freddie, which represents her grandfather) to the Dubai Frame. In Abu Dhabi, a dinosaur went to Al Ain's Jebel Hafeet. And a flamingo was taken all the way to the Hatta Mountains. This special project suitably brings to life the quirky nature of Allan's prop shop (and Allan herself!).
Where to apply
Applicants should send their completed applications - CV, covering letter, sample(s) of your work, letter of recommendation - to Nick March, Assistant Editor in Chief at The National and UAE programme administrator for the Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism, by 5pm on April 30, 2020.
Please send applications to nmarch@thenational.ae and please mark the subject line as “Rosalynn Carter Fellowship for Mental Health Journalism (UAE programme application)”.
The local advisory board will consider all applications and will interview a short list of candidates in Abu Dhabi in June 2020. Successful candidates will be informed before July 30, 2020.
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Uefa Champions League Group H
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