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Saudi Astronauts Make History As They Lift Off Into Space
Saudi astronauts Rayyanah Barnawi and Ali AlQarni arrived at the International Space Station today at 19:45 UAE time.
Rayyanah Barnawi has made history by becoming the first female Arab astronaut to enter space after blasting off from Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A with Arab teammate Ali AlQarni.
The pair were joined by astronaut Peggy Whitson, along with business pioneer and pilot John Shoffner on the sixteen-hour journey to the International Space Station (ISS). They were welcomed aboard in a ceremony at 19:45 UAE time today, Monday, May 22, 2023.
The astronauts became Saudi Arabia’s first citizens to leave earth in nearly 40 years, after Saudi Prince Sultan bin Salman became the first Arab to go to space in 1985.
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The pioneers will spend eight days on the ISS alongside fellow Arab Sultan Al Neyadi from the United Arab Emirates — aka the Sultan of Space — who is embarking on a longer six-month-long space mission.
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Abu Dhabi To Develop $1 Billion eSports Island Facility
Positioned along the picturesque Al Raha beach, the venue is poised to become a focal point for gaming enthusiasts worldwide.
Despite the economic slowdown of global eSports, the Middle East has emerged as a beacon of innovation and investment, particularly in infrastructure aimed at attracting top talent. According to a report by BCG, the region’s population exhibits a remarkable fondness for gaming, with over 60% actively participating and some of the highest figures of mobile game downloads in the world.
The latest addition to the UAE’s burgeoning eSports landscape is Abu Dhabi’s ambitious eSports Island project. Positioned between the Al Bandar and Al Dana developments along the picturesque Al Raha beach, the island is poised to become a focal point for esports enthusiasts worldwide.
True Gamers — a key player in the gaming industry — has pledged a substantial investment of $280 million to develop Abu Dhabi’s eSports Island. Upon completion, the project is anticipated to cost a staggering $1 billion.
The island will boast state-of-the-art amenities geared towards training aspiring eSports professionals and hosting international tournaments. The GG Bootcamp, equipped with cutting-edge gaming infrastructure, will provide a comprehensive training facility, dedicated rest areas and even nutrition programs.
At the heart of the eSports Island lies the True Gamers (TG) Arena, envisioned as a premier venue for hosting high-profile competitions with thousands of spectators. Adaptable spaces are designed to cater to various gaming formats and genres, and the arena will also serve as a hub for digital exhibitions and conferences. Additionally, the Digital Tower will offer a collaborative workspace for developers, and the island will host tourists and event goers in 200 rooms with in-built gaming computers.
Also Read: Top 10 Best Video Games Set In The Middle East
Establishing an eSports hub in Abu Dhabi will reinforce the UAE’s position as a global market leader, capitalizing on the region’s growing appetite for gaming. As international tournament organizers increasingly focus on the Middle East, the unveiling of Abu Dhabi’s eSports Island heralds a new era of innovation and growth for the industry.