Mohammed Al Mulla, left, and Nora Al Matrooshi join Hazza Al Mansouri and Sultan Al Neyadi as UAE astronauts
Mohammed Al Mulla, left, and Nora Al Matrooshi join Hazza Al Mansouri and Sultan Al Neyadi as UAE astronauts
Mohammed Al Mulla, left, and Nora Al Matrooshi join Hazza Al Mansouri and Sultan Al Neyadi as UAE astronauts
Mohammed Al Mulla, left, and Nora Al Matrooshi join Hazza Al Mansouri and Sultan Al Neyadi as UAE astronauts

Science

Who are the UAE's latest astronauts? Meet the history-maker and Dubai Police's youngest pilot

Nora Al Matrooshi, the Arab world's first female astronaut, and Mohammed Al Mulla are now a step closer to travelling to space

Sarwat Nasir
Sarwat Nasir
UAE

April 10, 2021

  • English
  • Arabic

And then there were four.

Nora Al Matrooshi, the Arab world's first female astronaut, and Mohammed Al Mulla were confirmed as the UAE's newest astronauts in a landmark announcement on Saturday.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, welcomed the pair to an elite club of Emiratis when revealing the news.

They join Hazza Al Mansouri, the first Emirati to journey into space, and Sultan Al Neyadi, who was part of the back-up crew for that momentous mission to the International Space Station in September, 2019.

Life will be transformed for the new members of the UAE's burgeoning astronaut corps.

For Nora Al Matrooshi, it is a giant leap forward for womankind.

But what do we know about the man and woman chosen from out of more than 4,000 hopefuls?

The National takes a closer look at the nation's latest standard bearers in the space sector.

Who is Nora Al Matrooshi?

The UAE history-maker is a 27-year-old mechanical engineer who has always dreamt of going to space.

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.

Who is Mohammed Al Mulla?

Mr Al Mulla is a pilot, with more than 1,500 flight hours under his belt. He was born in Dubai in 1988.

Mr Al Mulla works as a pilot at the Air Wing Centre and is also the head of the training department there. His career spans an impressive 15 years.

He holds a commercial pilot’s license, has a bachelor’s degree in law and economics, as well as an executive master’s in public administration from the 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.

UAE continues to make strides in space race:

  • 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.
What can victims do?

Always use only regulated platforms

Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion

Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)

Report to local authorities

Warn others to prevent further harm

Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence

RESULT

Manchester United 1 Brighton and Hove Albion 0
Man United: Dunk (66' og)

Man of the Match: Shane Duffy (Brighton)

Like a Fading Shadow

Antonio Muñoz Molina

Translated from the Spanish by Camilo A. Ramirez

Tuskar Rock Press (pp. 310)

Nick's journey in numbers

Countries so far: 85

Flights: 149

Steps: 3.78 million

Calories: 220,000

Floors climbed: 2,000

Donations: GPB37,300

Prostate checks: 5

Blisters: 15

Bumps on the head: 2

Dog bites: 1

Springtime in a Broken Mirror,
Mario Benedetti, Penguin Modern Classics

 

UAE currency

Our Time Has Come
Alyssa Ayres, Oxford University Press

Dubai Bling season three

Cast: Loujain Adada, Zeina Khoury, Farhana Bodi, Ebraheem Al Samadi, Mona Kattan, and couples Safa & Fahad Siddiqui and DJ Bliss & Danya Mohammed 

Rating: 1/5

Sam Smith

Where: du Arena, Abu Dhabi

When: Saturday November 24

Rating: 4/5

Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years

If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

2. E-invoicing in the UAE

Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption. 

3. More tax audits

Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks. 

4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime

Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.

5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit

There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.

6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes. 

7. Limited time periods for audits

Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion. 

8. Pillar 2 implementation 

Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.

9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services

Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations. 

10. Substance and CbC reporting focus

Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity. 

Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

While you're here
While you're here
A State of Passion

Directors: Carol Mansour and Muna Khalidi

Stars: Dr Ghassan Abu-Sittah

Rating: 4/5

Results

6.30pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-2 Group 1 (PA) US$75,000 (Dirt) 1,900m

Winner: Ziyadd, Richard Mullen (jockey), Jean de Roualle (trainer).

7.05pm: Al Rashidiya Group 2 (TB) $250,000 (Turf) 1,800m

Winner: Barney Roy, William Buick, Charlie Appleby.

7.40pm: Meydan Cup Listed Handicap (TB) $175,000 (T) 2,810m

Winner: Secret Advisor, Tadhg O’Shea, Charlie Appleby.

8.15pm: Handicap (TB) $175,000 (D) 1,600m

Winner: Plata O Plomo, Carlos Lopez, Susanne Berneklint.

8.50pm: Handicap (TB) $135,000 (T) 1,600m

Winner: Salute The Soldier, Adrie de Vries, Fawzi Nass.

9.25pm: Al Shindagha Sprint Group 3 (TB) $200,000 (D) 1,200m

Winner: Gladiator King, Mickael Barzalona, Satish Seemar.

Timeline

2012-2015

The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East

May 2017

The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts

September 2021

Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act

October 2021

Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence 

December 2024

Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group

May 2025

The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan

July 2025

The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan

August 2025

Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision

October 2025

Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange

November 2025

180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE

ScienceUAEUae In Space