• The New Shepard rocket carrying 'Star Trek' actor William Shatner launches from West Texas on October 13, 2021. AFP
    The New Shepard rocket carrying 'Star Trek' actor William Shatner launches from West Texas on October 13, 2021. AFP
  • The New Shepard launch was the rocket's second manned voyage into space. AFP
    The New Shepard launch was the rocket's second manned voyage into space. AFP
  • Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket is being prepared for mission NS-18 in October 2021. Reuters
    Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket is being prepared for mission NS-18 in October 2021. Reuters
  • New Shepard NS-18 mission crew member William Shatner rings the bell before lift-off. Accompanying the 'Star Trek' actor are Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos, in rear, and crew members Chris Boshuizen, front, the co-founder of Planet Labs, and Blue Origin’s vice president of mission and flight operations, Audrey Powers. The fourth member of the crew, who is not pictured, is Medidata Solutions co-founder Glen de Vries. AFP
    New Shepard NS-18 mission crew member William Shatner rings the bell before lift-off. Accompanying the 'Star Trek' actor are Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos, in rear, and crew members Chris Boshuizen, front, the co-founder of Planet Labs, and Blue Origin’s vice president of mission and flight operations, Audrey Powers. The fourth member of the crew, who is not pictured, is Medidata Solutions co-founder Glen de Vries. AFP
  • Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket is prepared for mission NS-18 in a still image from video. Reuters
    Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket is prepared for mission NS-18 in a still image from video. Reuters
  • The New Shepard NS-18 mission flight team, Audrey Powers, William Shatner and Glen de Vries ride to the launchpad. AFP
    The New Shepard NS-18 mission flight team, Audrey Powers, William Shatner and Glen de Vries ride to the launchpad. AFP
  • Staff monitor Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket as it is prepared for mission NS-18. Reuters
    Staff monitor Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket as it is prepared for mission NS-18. Reuters
  • Onlookers assemble to watch the Blue Origin New Shepard rocket blast off. Reuters
    Onlookers assemble to watch the Blue Origin New Shepard rocket blast off. Reuters
  • Members of the media gather before Blue Origin’s New Shepard lifts off from the launchpad. AFP
    Members of the media gather before Blue Origin’s New Shepard lifts off from the launchpad. AFP
  • Chris Boshuizen, Glen de Vries, Audrey Powers and William Shatner are presented with commemorative coins before their suborbital flight. Reuters
    Chris Boshuizen, Glen de Vries, Audrey Powers and William Shatner are presented with commemorative coins before their suborbital flight. Reuters
  • The New Shepard rocket sits at the launchpad. AFP
    The New Shepard rocket sits at the launchpad. AFP
  • From left: Chris Boshuizen, William Shatner, Audrey Powers and Glen de Vries. Their launch is Blue Origin’s second passenger flight, using the same capsule and rocket that Jeff Bezos used for his own trip in July 2021. AP
    From left: Chris Boshuizen, William Shatner, Audrey Powers and Glen de Vries. Their launch is Blue Origin’s second passenger flight, using the same capsule and rocket that Jeff Bezos used for his own trip in July 2021. AP
  • Blue Origin’s New Shepard lifts off from the launchpad carrying 90-year-old 'Star Trek' star William Shatner and three other civilians near Van Horn, Texas. AFP
    Blue Origin’s New Shepard lifts off from the launchpad carrying 90-year-old 'Star Trek' star William Shatner and three other civilians near Van Horn, Texas. AFP
  • The capsule of Blue Origin’s New Shepard mission NS-18 is surrounded by ground crew after landing by parachute near Van Horn, Texas, in a still image captured from video. Reuters
    The capsule of Blue Origin’s New Shepard mission NS-18 is surrounded by ground crew after landing by parachute near Van Horn, Texas, in a still image captured from video. Reuters
  • Billionaire Jeff Bezos gives a thumbs-up outside the capsule of Blue Origin’s New Shepard mission NS-18 after it landed by parachute near Van Horn, Texas. Reuters
    Billionaire Jeff Bezos gives a thumbs-up outside the capsule of Blue Origin’s New Shepard mission NS-18 after it landed by parachute near Van Horn, Texas. Reuters
  • Billionaire Jeff Bezos welcomes the four passengers on Blue Origin’s New Shepard mission NS-18 after landing near Van Horn, Texas. Reuters
    Billionaire Jeff Bezos welcomes the four passengers on Blue Origin’s New Shepard mission NS-18 after landing near Van Horn, Texas. Reuters
  • Jeff Bezos, third left, greets Canadian actor William Shatner as he emerges from the capsule after landing near Van Horn, Texas, on October 13. The mission carried Shatner, Audrey Powers, Blue Origin's vice president of mission and flight operations, and customers Chris Boshuizen and Glen de Vries. EPA
    Jeff Bezos, third left, greets Canadian actor William Shatner as he emerges from the capsule after landing near Van Horn, Texas, on October 13. The mission carried Shatner, Audrey Powers, Blue Origin's vice president of mission and flight operations, and customers Chris Boshuizen and Glen de Vries. EPA
  • William Shatner, who at 90 years of age became the oldest person to travel to space, discusses the suborbital flight with Jeff Bezos. EPA
    William Shatner, who at 90 years of age became the oldest person to travel to space, discusses the suborbital flight with Jeff Bezos. EPA
  • William Shatner and Jeff Bezos after New Shepard's NS-18 mission. EPA
    William Shatner and Jeff Bezos after New Shepard's NS-18 mission. EPA
  • Recovery crews reach the New Shepard NS-18 mission capsule after landing on October 13. 'Star Trek' actor Shatner went where no nonagenarian has been before. AFP
    Recovery crews reach the New Shepard NS-18 mission capsule after landing on October 13. 'Star Trek' actor Shatner went where no nonagenarian has been before. AFP
  • The moment of lift-off as William Shatner and his fellow travellers aboard the New Shepard headed for a brief visit to space. EPA
    The moment of lift-off as William Shatner and his fellow travellers aboard the New Shepard headed for a brief visit to space. EPA

‘Star Trek’ actor William Shatner says Blue Origin spaceflight ‘felt like a funeral’


Sarwat Nasir
  • English
  • Arabic

Star Trek actor William Shatner has said everything he expected to see during his trip to space on a Blue Origin flight “was wrong” and that the experience “felt like a funeral”.

Aged 90, Mr Shatner became the oldest person to travel to space when he blasted off to the edge of space on a Blue Origin rocket on October 13, 2021.

Now, he has reflected on his voyage in his new book called Boldly Go: Reflections on a Life of Awe and Wonder. An excerpt of it was published in Variety last week.

“It was among the strongest feelings of grief I have ever encountered,” he said.

“The contrast between the vicious coldness of space and the warm nurturing of Earth below filled me with overwhelming sadness.

“Every day, we are confronted with the knowledge of further destruction of Earth at our hands: the extinction of animal species, of flora and fauna … things that took five billion years to evolve, and suddenly we will never see them again because of the interference of mankind.

“It filled me with dread. My trip to space was supposed to be a celebration; instead, it felt like a funeral.”

Mr Shatner flew to the edge of space on the NS-18 mission — the second space tourism flight by Jeff Bezos’s Blue Origin — with three other passengers.

The entire experience, from launch to landing, lasted about 10 minutes.

A fully reusable suborbital vehicle lifts off from a remote desert in west Texas, carrying passengers 106 kilometres above the ground, bringing them a few minutes of weightlessness as well as stunning views of Earth against the darkness of space.

The capsule then descends towards the Texas desert under three parachutes and retro engines, bringing the passengers safely back to the ground.

Mr Shatner’s experience in space is what many astronauts and psychologists call the “Overview Effect”.

It is often described by astronauts as a powerful shift in how a person views the planet and life.

“I learned later that I was not alone in this feeling. It is called the 'Overview Effect' and is not uncommon among astronauts,” Mr Shatner said in his book.

“Essentially, when someone travels to space and views Earth from orbit, a sense of the planet’s fragility takes hold in an ineffable, instinctive manner.

“It can change the way we look at the planet but also other things like countries, ethnicities, and religions; it can prompt an instant re-evaluation of our shared harmony and a shift in focus to all the wonderful things we have in common instead of what makes us different.”

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Trump v Khan

2016: Feud begins after Khan criticised Trump’s proposed Muslim travel ban to US

2017: Trump criticises Khan’s ‘no reason to be alarmed’ response to London Bridge terror attacks

2019: Trump calls Khan a “stone cold loser” before first state visit

2019: Trump tweets about “Khan’s Londonistan”, calling him “a national disgrace”

2022:  Khan’s office attributes rise in Islamophobic abuse against the major to hostility stoked during Trump’s presidency

July 2025 During a golfing trip to Scotland, Trump calls Khan “a nasty person”

Sept 2025 Trump blames Khan for London’s “stabbings and the dirt and the filth”.

Dec 2025 Trump suggests migrants got Khan elected, calls him a “horrible, vicious, disgusting mayor”

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

Long read

Mageed Yahia, director of WFP in UAE: Coronavirus knows no borders, and neither should the response

The specs: 2018 Genesis G70

Price, base / as tested: Dh155,000 / Dh205,000

Engine: 3.3-litre, turbocharged V6

Gearbox: Eight-speed automatic

Power: 370hp @ 6,000rpm

Torque: 510Nm @ 1,300rpm

Fuel economy, combined: 10.6L / 100km

Results

6.30pm Madjani Stakes Rated Conditions (PA) I Dh160,000 1,900m I Winner: Mawahib, Tadhg O’Shea (jockey), Eric Lemartinel (trainer)

7.05pm Maiden Dh150,000 1,400m I Winner One Season, Antonio Fresu, Satish Seemar

7.40pm: Maiden Dh150,000 2,000m I Winner Street Of Dreams, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson

8.15pm Dubai Creek Listed Dh250,000 1,600m I Winner Heavy Metal, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer

8.50pm The Entisar Listed Dh250,000 2,000m I Winner Etijaah, Dane O’Neill, Doug Watson

9.25pm The Garhoud Listed Dh250,000 1,200m Winner Muarrab, Dane O’Neill, Ali Rashid Al Raihe

10pm Handicap Dh160,000 1,600m Winner Sea Skimmer, Patrick Cosgrave, Helal Al Alawi

How does ToTok work?

The calling app is available to download on Google Play and Apple App Store

To successfully install ToTok, users are asked to enter their phone number and then create a nickname.

The app then gives users the option add their existing phone contacts, allowing them to immediately contact people also using the application by video or voice call or via message.

Users can also invite other contacts to download ToTok to allow them to make contact through the app.

 

RESULTS
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E6pm%3A%20Baniyas%20%E2%80%93%20Group%202%20(PA)%20Dh97%2C500%20(Dirt)%201%2C400m%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20AF%20Alajaj%2C%20Tadhg%20O%E2%80%99Shea%20(jockey)%2C%20Ernst%20Oertel%20(trainer)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E6.35pm%3A%20The%20Pointe%20%E2%80%93%20Maiden%20(TB)%20Dh82%2C500%20(D)%201%2C200m%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20Awasef%2C%20Pat%20Dobbs%2C%20Doug%20Watson%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E7.10pm%3A%20Palm%20West%20Beach%20%E2%80%93%20Maiden%20(TB)%20Dh82%2C500%20(D)%201%2C400m%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20Long%20Kiss%2C%20Jose%20da%20Silva%2C%20Antonio%20Cintra%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E7.45pm%3A%20The%20View%20at%20the%20Palm%20%E2%80%93%20Handicap%20(TB)%20Dh87%2C500%20(D)%201%2C200m%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20Ranaan%2C%20Tadhg%20O%E2%80%99Shea%2C%20Bhupat%20Seemar%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E8.20pm%3A%20Nakheel%20%E2%80%93%20Handicap%20(TB)%20Dh105%2C000%20(D)%201%2C400m%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20Raaeb%2C%20Antonio%20Fresu%2C%20Musabah%20Al%20Muhairi%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E8.55pm%3A%20The%20Club%20%E2%80%93%20Handicap%20(TB)%20Dh95%2C000%20(D)%201%2C900m%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20Qareeb%2C%20Sam%20Hitchcock%2C%20Doug%20Watson%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E9.30pm%3A%20Palm%20Beach%20Towers%20%E2%80%93%20Handicap%20(TB)%20Dh87%2C500%20(D)%201%2C600m%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20Falsehood%2C%20Adrie%20de%20Vries%2C%20Musabah%20Al%20Muhairi%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
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

UAE central contracts

Full time contracts

Rohan Mustafa, Ahmed Raza, Mohammed Usman, Chirag Suri, Mohammed Boota, Sultan Ahmed, Zahoor Khan, Junaid Siddique, Waheed Ahmed, Zawar Farid

Part time contracts

Aryan Lakra, Ansh Tandon, Karthik Meiyappan, Rahul Bhatia, Alishan Sharafu, CP Rizwaan, Basil Hameed, Matiullah, Fahad Nawaz, Sanchit Sharma

Types of bank fraud

1) Phishing

Fraudsters send an unsolicited email that appears to be from a financial institution or online retailer. The hoax email requests that you provide sensitive information, often by clicking on to a link leading to a fake website.

2) Smishing

The SMS equivalent of phishing. Fraudsters falsify the telephone number through “text spoofing,” so that it appears to be a genuine text from the bank.

3) Vishing

The telephone equivalent of phishing and smishing. Fraudsters may pose as bank staff, police or government officials. They may persuade the consumer to transfer money or divulge personal information.

4) SIM swap

Fraudsters duplicate the SIM of your mobile number without your knowledge or authorisation, allowing them to conduct financial transactions with your bank.

5) Identity theft

Someone illegally obtains your confidential information, through various ways, such as theft of your wallet, bank and utility bill statements, computer intrusion and social networks.

6) Prize scams

Fraudsters claiming to be authorised representatives from well-known organisations (such as Etisalat, du, Dubai Shopping Festival, Expo2020, Lulu Hypermarket etc) contact victims to tell them they have won a cash prize and request them to share confidential banking details to transfer the prize money.

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

The%20specs
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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 burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.

Part three: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

Read part one: how cars came to the UAE

COMPANY%20PROFILE%20
%3Cp%3EName%3A%20DarDoc%3Cbr%3EBased%3A%20Abu%20Dhabi%3Cbr%3EFounders%3A%20Samer%20Masri%2C%20Keswin%20Suresh%3Cbr%3ESector%3A%20HealthTech%3Cbr%3ETotal%20funding%3A%20%24800%2C000%3Cbr%3EInvestors%3A%20Flat6Labs%2C%20angel%20investors%20%2B%20Incubated%20by%20Hub71%2C%20Abu%20Dhabi's%20Department%20of%20Health%3Cbr%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%2010%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
MATCH INFO

Brescia 1 (Skrinia og, 76)

Inter Milan 2 (Martinez 33, Lukaku 63)

 

MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW

Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman

Director: Jesse Armstrong

Rating: 3.5/5

Easter%20Sunday
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Champions parade (UAE timings)

7pm Gates open

8pm Deansgate stage showing starts

9pm Parade starts at Manchester Cathedral

9.45pm Parade ends at Peter Street

10pm City players on stage

11pm event ends

Updated: October 10, 2022, 1:34 PM