• The International Astronautical Congress - world's largest space congress - is taking place at the Paris Convention Centre from September 18 to 22. All photos: Sarwat Nasir / The National
    The International Astronautical Congress - world's largest space congress - is taking place at the Paris Convention Centre from September 18 to 22. All photos: Sarwat Nasir / The National
  • Hamad Al Marzooqi, UAE's Moon mission director, attends the IAC 2022 in Paris.
    Hamad Al Marzooqi, UAE's Moon mission director, attends the IAC 2022 in Paris.
  • A visitor takes a photo of a spacesuit that Indian astronauts will wear one day.
    A visitor takes a photo of a spacesuit that Indian astronauts will wear one day.
  • French Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne speaks at the International Astronautical Congress 2022 in Paris on September 18.
    French Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne speaks at the International Astronautical Congress 2022 in Paris on September 18.
  • French Prime Minister speaks at IAC 2022 in Paris.
    French Prime Minister speaks at IAC 2022 in Paris.
  • Visitors attend the opening ceremony of the IAC 2022 in Paris on September 18.
    Visitors attend the opening ceremony of the IAC 2022 in Paris on September 18.
  • Japan's space agency Jaxa is displaying asteroid samples at the space conference in Paris.
    Japan's space agency Jaxa is displaying asteroid samples at the space conference in Paris.
  • The Lockheed Martin stand at IAC 2022 in Paris displays satellites.
    The Lockheed Martin stand at IAC 2022 in Paris displays satellites.
  • Visitors at the IAC 2022 in Paris on September 18.
    Visitors at the IAC 2022 in Paris on September 18.
  • A model of the H2-A rocket at Japan's space agency JAXA's stand at IAC 2022 in Paris.
    A model of the H2-A rocket at Japan's space agency JAXA's stand at IAC 2022 in Paris.
  • Nasa's stand at the IAC 2022 in Paris.
    Nasa's stand at the IAC 2022 in Paris.
  • The UAE Space Agency and Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre are also participating at this year's IAC in Paris.
    The UAE Space Agency and Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre are also participating at this year's IAC in Paris.
  • A rocket display at the stand of the Indian space agency, or ISRO, at the IAC 2022 in Paris.
    A rocket display at the stand of the Indian space agency, or ISRO, at the IAC 2022 in Paris.
  • The Hakuto-R Mission 1 lander by ispace, the Japanese private company that will help the UAE land its rover on the Moon next month.
    The Hakuto-R Mission 1 lander by ispace, the Japanese private company that will help the UAE land its rover on the Moon next month.
  • A model of an exploration rover and astronaut suit at the IAC 2022 in Paris.
    A model of an exploration rover and astronaut suit at the IAC 2022 in Paris.
  • The Saudi space agency's stand at the IAC 2022 in Paris.
    The Saudi space agency's stand at the IAC 2022 in Paris.
  • An astronaut suit by the Indian space agency ISRO.
    An astronaut suit by the Indian space agency ISRO.
  • Rocket models at the IAC 2022 in Paris.
    Rocket models at the IAC 2022 in Paris.

Artemis Accords signatories meet for the first time


Sarwat Nasir
  • English
  • Arabic

Signatories of the Artemis Accords, an international agreement led by the US that sets guidelines for responsible space exploration, met in-person for the first time on Monday at the International Astronautical Congress in Paris.

There are 21 signatories of the accords, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

China, Russia and India — all countries with a strong space programme — have yet to sign the agreement.

The accords aim to ensure responsible behaviour in space, especially the Moon, as countries look to launch crewed exploration missions to the its surface and to acquire lunar resources.

It is not yet legally binding and serves only as a framework for countries.

Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of State for Public Education and Advanced Technology and chairwoman of the UAE Space Agency, attended the signatories’ meeting on behalf of the UAE.

“During this meeting, heads of space agencies discussed future plans in the industry to ensure the safety of humans and deconfliction of activities on the Moon, as well as the importance of the Accords to emerging space nations,” she said.

Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of State for Public Education and Advanced Technology and chairwoman of the UAE Space Agency, attended the signatories’ meeting. Photo: Sarah Al Amiri Twitter
Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of State for Public Education and Advanced Technology and chairwoman of the UAE Space Agency, attended the signatories’ meeting. Photo: Sarah Al Amiri Twitter

The UAE signed the accords in October 2020 and is working towards realising its long-term Moon exploration ambitions.

Its goals include developing and launching a number of rovers and orbiters to the Moon, as well as plans to send an Emirati to the surface.

Mike Gold, the former acting associate administrator for Nasa's Office of International and Interagency Relations, in 2020 told The National that the Artemis partnership lays the groundwork for partner countries to collaborate on lunar missions.

“The UAE can, and we hope will, become a strong and robust partner in the Artemis programme,” said Mr Gold, referring to a project that seeks to establish a human base on the Moon.

“We look forward to collaborating not only on lunar rovers, but on other forms of science and orbiters, and eventually human spaceflight as well.

“The UAE is not only ambitious, but it follows ambitions with funding and actions, which is why they are such an excellent partner for us to join in this unprecedented journey of discovery that is.”

Last year, the UAE Space Agency and Nasa held meetings to discuss the Artemis programme.

David Haye record

Total fights: 32
Wins: 28
Wins by KO: 26
Losses: 4

UPI facts

More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions

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How to apply for a drone permit
  • Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
  • Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
  • Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
  • Submit their request
What are the regulations?
  • Fly it within visual line of sight
  • Never over populated areas
  • Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
  • Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
  • Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
  • Should have a live feed of the drone flight
  • Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
INDIA'S%20TOP%20INFLUENCERS
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Company%20Profile
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THE POPE'S ITINERARY

Sunday, February 3, 2019 - Rome to Abu Dhabi
1pm: departure by plane from Rome / Fiumicino to Abu Dhabi
10pm: arrival at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport


Monday, February 4
12pm: welcome ceremony at the main entrance of the Presidential Palace
12.20pm: visit Abu Dhabi Crown Prince at Presidential Palace
5pm: private meeting with Muslim Council of Elders at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
6.10pm: Inter-religious in the Founder's Memorial


Tuesday, February 5 - Abu Dhabi to Rome
9.15am: private visit to undisclosed cathedral
10.30am: public mass at Zayed Sports City – with a homily by Pope Francis
12.40pm: farewell at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport
1pm: departure by plane to Rome
5pm: arrival at the Rome / Ciampino International Airport

The rules of the road keeping cyclists safe

Cyclists must wear a helmet, arm and knee pads

Have a white front-light and a back red-light on their bike

They must place a number plate with reflective light to the back of the bike to alert road-users

Avoid carrying weights that could cause the bike to lose balance

They must cycle on designated lanes and areas and ride safe on pavements to avoid bumping into pedestrians

The biog

Name: Shamsa Hassan Safar

Nationality: Emirati

Education: Degree in emergency medical services at Higher Colleges of Technology

Favourite book: Between two hearts- Arabic novels

Favourite music: Mohammed Abdu and modern Arabic songs

Favourite way to spend time off: Family visits and spending time with friends

Paris Can Wait
Dir: Eleanor Coppola
Starring: Alec Baldwin, Diane Lane, Arnaud Viard
Two stars

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Updated: September 19, 2022, 2:49 PM