World

UAE astronaut Sultan al-Neyadi arrives in Abu Dhabi, receives a hero’s welcome

Emirati astronaut Sultan al-Neyadi has returned to the UAE after completing a historic Arab space mission and successfully splashing down on Earth two weeks ago.

The UAE aircraft carrying Al-Neyadi and his members from the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Center (MBRSC), touched the tarmac at Abu Dhabi airport at 5:30 p.m. on Monday.

Seconds after he landed, several aircraft carriers displaying the colors of the UAE flag were launched across the airport skies in celebration of the astronaut’s return.

He was met with an emotional welcome by his family who waited impatiently outside the gate. They embraced him tightly as soon as he stepped out of the plane.

Al-Neyadi was greeted in an emotional welcome by his family who embraced him tightly as soon as he stepped out of his plane. (MBRSC)

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the ruler of UAE Sheikh Hamdan bin Moahmmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum greeted al-Neyadi and congratulated him for his successful space mission.

“I hope to see the UAE flag one day on mars and the moon,” the Emirati astronaut said while greeting the rulers.

Sultan al-Neyadi was greeted in an embrace by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. (MBRSC)

“From the start of the 5-year preparations for the mission to spending over 180 days in space, this has been the experience of a lifetime. After returning to Earth, it’s time to come home. I look forward to seeing you all tomorrow in our beloved UAE,” al-Neyadi posted on X, formerly known as twitter, on Sunday.

From the start of the 5-year preparations for the mission to spending over 180 days in space, this has been the experience of a lifetime. After returning to Earth, it's time to come home. I look forward to seeing you all tomorrow in our beloved UAE. 🇦🇪 pic.twitter.com/twNVcWZWcl

— Sultan AlNeyadi (@Astro_Alneyadi) September 17, 2023

He returned to Earth on September 4 after successfully completing a six-month mission on the International Space Station. The UAE astronaut and his crewmates onboard the SpaceX Dragon capsule splashed down in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Florida after a 17-hour space journey.

People across the UAE impatiently waited for al-Neyadi’s return to Earth. Across the UAE, electronic billboards showed a countdown to the Emirati’s arrival, saying “Safe Journey, Sultan.”

Since his return two weeks ago, al-Neyadi has been in a recovery program in Houston, Texas, to help him readapt to gravity.

The Director General of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Center (MBRSC), Salem AlMarri, posted on X on Sunday that the UAE space team was present in Houston with al-Neyadi as they prepared for his return home.

AlMarri in his post also highlighted al-Neyadi’s longing to return home.

“Praise be to God, the program and work schedule that he started after returning from the International Space Station is continuing, and things are fine. Every time we talk, he tells us about his enthusiasm and longing for his homeland after an absence of more than a year spent between training and a mission in space,” the Director General wrote on X.

نحن متواجدين مع الفريق الاداري والطبي والتقني في هيوستن مع سلطان وهو على أتم الاستعداد للعودة إلى الوطن إن شاء الله يوم الاثنين القادم..
الحمد لله البرنامج وجدول العمل الذي بدأه بعد العودة من محطة الفضاء الدولية مستمر، والأمور على ما يرام..
في كل مرة نتحدث فيها يخبرنا عن حماسته… pic.twitter.com/3bD3hNLwKI

— Salem AlMarri سالم حميد المري (@Salem_HAlMarri) September 16, 2023

His mission saw al-Neyadi – who is only the second person from the UAE to fly to space and the first to launch from US soil as part of a long-duration space station team – conduct more than 200 experiments on the orbiting outpost.

Al-Neyadi conducted hundreds of experiments in space, ranging from human cell growth in space, controlling combustible materials in microgravity, tissue chip research on heart, brain, and cartilage functions, studying sleep quality intended to help develop therapies for astronauts to improve sleep quality and overall health during extended space missions, and the effects of microgravity on the human heart, as well as maintenance tasks onboard ISS.

UAE astronaut Sultan al-Neyadi returns to Earth safely after six-month mission on ISS

Homeward bound: UAE astronaut Sultan al-Neyadi leaves International Space Station

Original Article

World

Almarai signs an MoU with the Authority of People with Disabilities to train and employ them.

Almarai Company signed a memorandum of understanding with the Authority of People with
Disabilities to train, qualify and employ persons with disabilities. This came on the sidelines of
the First International Labor Market Conference, organized by the Ministry of Human Resources
and Social Development on December 13 – 14, 2023, at the King Abdulaziz Convention Center
in Riyadh.

The memorandum was signed by the Chief Human Resources Officer of Almarai Company,
Fahad Mohammed Aldrees, and the CEO of the Authority of People with Disabilities, Dr.
Hisham bin Muhammad Al-Haidari.

“This agreement comes within the framework of the company’s social responsibility program, as
Almarai employs more than 500 people with disabilities, which is one of the most suitable work
environments for them.” Fahad Aldrees said. Pointing out that Almarai has the “Silent Line”,
which is one of its production lines that is designated for people with hearing disabilities.

It is worth mentioning that Almarai supports over 300 charity organizations annually across the
kingdom that operate in the field of community development.

World

Central Phuket Shopping Center Prepared Surprises This Christmas & New Year 2024

Central Phuket Shopping Center, the luxury lifestyle landmark o Phuket, invites everyone to celebrate Christmas and New Year 2024 in The Great Celebration 2024 Campaign. Joining hands with global partner ‘The Pokémon Company’, Central Phuket bring over Pokémon, the super cute character popular around the world, for all locals and international fans. The special campaign launch presents a procession of cute ‘Pikachu’ alongside with the giant Christmas tree for the first time in Thailand.
This December, Central Phuket prepared many activities for shoppers when visiting Phuket! Experience the “Surprise of the Day” with free Cotton Candy for our little ones, a sweet and fluffy treat, a special gift from Central Phuket. Bring your kids to enjoy this sweet treat every Saturday and Sunday throughout the month of December. Don’t miss the Christmas Carol that
everyone loves, little Santas spread freshness by singing together in the Christmas Carol activity. Plus, Christmas Live Music, the festival of joy is back! Celebrate Christmas in a luxurious and classy atmosphere, enjoying the music that will bring us joy. Also, there will be Christmas Troop, Santa Claus is coming to town! The Santa troop will spread happiness throughout Central Phuket. Lastly, Cake Workshop, workshop activity with Chef Sebastien’s IRON CHEF Thailand teaching how to make Christmas Vanilla Cake. A special activity for the Christmas season. Moreover, Central Phuket provides special promotion exclusively for international tourists throughout December 23 – January 24 including:

1) Get Free! Tourist welcome discount package valued up to THB 10,000.
2) Receive THB 100 Gift voucher when spending up to THB 2,500 per receipt.
3) Get to buy ‘Happy Holiday Collections’ special price: Pokémon 2-in-1 pillow blanket, tumbler, travel bag set, and keychain. Visit redemption counter for the price.
4) Exclusive for Grab Users get discount code up to 25% off* when traveling to participating Central Shopping Centers.
5) Receive famous Elephant Pants when spending over THB 5,000 in shopping center.
6) Get Free! H&M THB 100 gift voucher when booking any accommodations in Phuket with Agoda. Terms and conditions apply.

Central Phuket is a home of global luxury brands such as Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Ermenegildo Zegna, Gucci, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, and Saint Laurent. Exclusive for this season, Louis Vuitton launches a pop-up store located at Central Phuket. The design is inspired by the story of Damier or Checkerboard, the brand’s signature pattern. This classic pattern was created by Louis
Vuitton and his son Georges Vuitton in 1888 and has always been part of the design of Maison’s iconic items and concepts. Find clothes, shoes, bags, and accessories for men at the Pop-up Store from Louis Vuitton at Central Phuket, 1st floor, from today until 31 March 2024. And with over 500 renowned fashion brands and lifestyle shops ranging from local to international
well-known brands covering all categories, international shoppers will be able to find what they are looking for in Central Phuket.
Central Phuket is located in the heart of one of the world’s most famous beach cities, Phuket and await to welcome both locals and international visitors this holiday. Also, don’t miss one of the most joyful New Year Count Down events in Phuket city at Central Phuket Shopping Center on December 31, 2023.

World

Saudi Fund for Development Provides $100 Million Development Loan for the Rogun Hydropower Project

The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) Chief Executive Officer, H.E. Sultan Al-Marshad, signed a new development loan agreement with the Minister of Finance of the Republic of Tajikistan, H.E. Kahhorzoda Fayziddin Sattor, through which SFD is contributing $100 million USD to fund the Rogun Hydropower Project, a landmark initiative that will enhance energy,
food, and water security, and foster sustainable development in the country. The signing was attended by the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Republic of Tajikistan, H.E. Waleed Al-Reshiadan, and the Ambassador of Tajikistan to Saudi Arabia, H.E. Akram Karimi, alongside other officials from both sides. SFD’s development loan will help contribute towards a more sustainable and equitable food and water future for Tajikistan, while driving the country’s energy transition and climate resilience. The project aims to contribute to the national energy security and will help advance sustainable
development in the Republic of Tajikistan, by providing the renewable electricity supply to meet local demand and expand electricity production domestically and regionally, producing 3600 MW of energy. The loan agreement will also finance the construction of a 335-meter-tall dam, which will enhance irrigation capabilities and bolster agricultural activities across the country. Additionally, the project will improve flood protection through the construction of four hydraulic
tunnels for diversion and drainage. It will also provide clean and drinkable water to people through desalination, and help advance socio-economic development, by creating both direct and indirect jobs.
Importantly, this project also supports the realization of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); specifically, SDG 2, Zero Hunger, SDG 6, Clean Water and Sanitation, and SDG 7, Affordable and Clean Energy.
On this occasion, the CEO of SFD, H.E. Sultan Al-Marshad, said: “Today’s signing marks a major milestone in our shared journey towards a more sustainable future. With this landmark development loan, SFD is not just supporting Tajikistan’s energy future, but also its sustainable development and the well-being of its people. The Rogun Hydropower Project is a beacon of
hope for a bright future that is powered by clean, renewable energy. It will propel Tajikistan towards environmental stewardship and prosperity.”