Nasa has confirmed that there are over 5,000 exoplanets beyond our solar system.
The exoplanet census surpassed this milestone with a new batch of 65 confirmed exoplanets, triggering excitement across the globe.
“It’s not just a number,” Exoplanet Archive science lead Jessie Christiansen said in a statement as reported by CNET.
“Each one of them is a new world, a brand new planet. I get excited about every one because we don’t know anything about them.”
It’s been 30 years since scientists discovered the first planets orbiting another star. Today, exoplanets are so common that astronomers expect most stars host at least one, astronomer Aurora Kesseli of Caltech was quoted as saying by Science News.
“One of the most exciting things that I think has happened in the last 30 years is that we’ve really started to be able to fill out the diversity of exoplanets,” Kesseli added.
Some exoplanets look like Jupiter or Earth. The 5,005 confirmed exoplanets include nearly 1,500 giant gassy planets, roughly 200 that are small and rocky and almost 1,600 “super-Earths,” which are larger than our solar system’s rocky planets and smaller than Neptune, according to Science News.
While discovering these exoplanets, scientists try to find out if they are habitable or not. James Webb Space Telescope is working to go beyond the diameters, masses and densities of these planets. It will gather information about their atmospheres.
NASA’s newest exoplanet hunter, the TESS mission, has confirmed more than 200 planets, with thousands more yet to verify, Kesseli pointed out. “There’s tons of exoplanets out there,” Kesseli said, “and even more waiting to be discovered”.
Dubai authorities have announced a series of business support measures aimed at strengthening resilience, easing financial pressures, and sustaining economic growth across key sectors.
The initiatives are part of a wider Dh1 billion economic incentive package unveiled by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Deputy Prime Minister.
Relief for tourism and hospitality
To support hotels and tourism-related businesses, the government will allow:
Deferral of 100% of sales fees on rooms and food & beverage
Postponement of Tourism Dirham fees
These relief measures will be valid for three months starting April 1 and apply to:
Hotels
Hotel apartments
Holiday homes
The goal is to enhance liquidity and reduce short-term financial strain on the hospitality sector.
Wider support for businesses
Additional measures have been introduced across the broader economy, including fee deferrals for three months on:
Premium business names
Licence amendments
Newspaper announcements
Local service fees
Accommodation and waste management fees
Service improvement charges
These apply to both new business licences and renewals, with further updates expected after the three months.
Additional reforms
The broader package also includes:
Extended grace periods for customs data
Streamlined processes for issuing and renewing residency permits
Officials from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism emphasised that the emirate’s economic success is built on proactive policymaking and strong collaboration with industry stakeholders.
Several UK education boards have announced the cancellation of IGCSE and International A Level exams in the UAE that were scheduled for May and June, citing the current situation and prioritising student safety.
The decision affects thousands of students across the country preparing for key international assessments.
Major boards confirm cancellations
Exam board OxfordAQA informed UAE schools via email that exams have been cancelled following consultations with the Ministry of Education, schools, and other boards.
Subjects impacted include IGCSE English as a Second Language, along with other OxfordAQA-assessed papers.
Meanwhile, Pearson Edexcel confirmed that IGCSE, International A Level, and iPLS exams have been cancelled not only in the UAE but also in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Lebanon.
Regional impact and safety focus
The move comes in response to the current situation across the region, with student and staff safety as the top priority.
Emma Whale, Vice President for International Schools, noted that the board has well-established contingency measures to handle disruptions and ensure students can still progress and receive grades that reflect their performance.
Part of a wider trend
This latest announcement follows earlier decisions by other education systems, including:
International Baccalaureate (IB)
Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)
Both had already cancelled exams in the region under similar circumstances.
Several churches and places of worship across Dubai have announced temporary closures and suspension of in-person services starting April 3, following official directives prioritising public safety.
The move comes just ahead of important religious observances, including Easter services and Orthodox Palm Sunday on April 5.
Churches shift to online services
Prominent churches such as St. Thomas Orthodox Cathedral confirmed that all services will be held online in compliance with “strict instructions issued by UAE authorities.”
Similarly, St. Mary’s Catholic Church announced the closure of its premises to visitors while continuing to livestream select services, including Friday prayers.
The Mar Thoma Parish also stated that all “Passion Week” services will be conducted virtually.
However, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church confirmed that all masses are cancelled entirely, with no online streaming, urging parishioners to avoid visiting church grounds.
Meanwhile, St. Mina Coptic Orthodox Church suspended all services and activities, including its Friday liturgy, as a precautionary step.
Temples and Gurudwara follow suit
Beyond churches, other major religious centres, including the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurudwara and the Hindu temple in Dubai, have also announced closures until further notice, citing safety and security directives.
Community safety takes priority
Religious leaders across Dubai have emphasised that these measures are temporary but necessary, urging worshippers to follow official guidelines and avoid gatherings during this period.
While physical services are paused, many institutions are ensuring spiritual continuity through digital platforms, encouraging the community to stay connected remotely.
