UAE astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi is set to become the first Arab to spend six months on the International Space Station (ISS), four years after his fellow Emirati astronaut Hazza Al Mansouri had spent eight days aboard the ISS in 2019.
More than six decades after the first Arab went to space, the UAE has trained two pairs of homegrown astronauts as part of its surge in the space race. Saudi Arabia has also launched its own program to train professionals aspiring to work in the space industry.
Sultan Al Neyadi
Neyadi, along with Hazza Al Mansouri, has also received training at NASA for operating robotic arms that handle the landing of goods at the space station. He has been selected to be a part of SpaceX’s Crew 6 mission and will embark on the journey into space in 2023.
Neyadi will also be conducting scientific experiments at the ISS as part of the UAE Astronaut program. He has become part of the mission under an agreement between the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre and US-based firm Axiom Space, which also has a partnership with NASA.
Axiom provided the seat on SpaceX’s mission to Neyadi, which it had secured from NASA, in exchange for its own seat on Russia’s Soyuz spacecraft.
Authorities across the UAE have issued a fresh warning to motorists, urging them to exercise extreme caution during ongoing unstable weather conditions. The reminder comes as part of efforts to enhance road safety and prevent accidents in high-risk areas such as valleys, flood zones, and near dams.
The UAE authorities emphasised that strict penalties are in place for violations during rainfall. Motorists found driving near valleys or flood-prone areas could face a fine of Dh1,000 along with 6 black points on their license.
More severe penalties apply to those who deliberately drive into flooded valleys, regardless of the water level or perceived danger. Offenders risk fines of up to Dh2,000, 23 black points, and a 60-day vehicle impoundment.
Additionally, authorities warned against obstructing emergency responders or traffic officials during adverse weather situations. Such actions could result in a Dh1,000 fine, 4 black points, and vehicle impoundment for up to 60 days.
Officials continue to urge drivers to prioritise safety, follow official advisories, and avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather conditions to prevent accidents and ensure smooth emergency response operations.
In response to ongoing unstable weather conditions, Sharjah City Municipality has announced an extension of its public parking fee exemption across the emirate. The decision, effective from Monday, March 23, will remain in place until further notice, offering temporary relief to residents and visitors.
The waiver applies to all standard public parking zones, including those that typically require payment on weekdays and official holidays. These areas are identifiable by blue informational signage installed throughout the city.
However, authorities clarified that smart parking yards are excluded from the exemption and will continue to operate under regular paid parking rules.
Officials have urged the public to stay informed through official communication channels, including the municipality’s social media platforms and helpline services, as weather conditions continue to evolve.
The move reflects Sharjah’s ongoing efforts to support public safety and convenience during periods of disruption, ensuring smoother mobility across the city.
Behind every safe journey in Dubai, a massive coordinated effort is underway. Safety during rainy conditions remains a top priority, says the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
The authority has been operating 24/7 on the ground during the recent spell of unstable weather, working to manage traffic flow, clear water accumulation and provide real-time alerts to motorists across the city.
RTA teams are closely monitoring conditions through a central command system in coordination with strategic partners, ensuring quick response times and minimal disruption on key roads.
Motorists have been urged to follow safety guidelines and drive cautiously during rainy conditions.
At the same time, Dubai Municipality has activated its full emergency response system, deploying more than 2,800 personnel, including engineers, supervisors and field workers, to tackle waterlogging and weather-related incidents.
The large-scale operation includes hundreds of pumps, tankers and heavy vehicles working continuously to drain flooded streets, particularly on major roads and previously affected areas. Ongoing maintenance of drainage networks is also being carried out to boost capacity and reduce water pooling.
Together, these efforts reflect a city-wide response aimed at ensuring residents remain safe and traffic continues to move smoothly despite challenging weather conditions.